U.S. Develops New Nuclear Strategy With Focus on Tactical Nuclear Weapons

The Pentagon is developing a new U.S. nuclear strategy that places greater emphasis on the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons.

NBC News reported on the matter, citing five sources.

The new strategy could change the U.S. approach to nuclear weapons, which has remained largely unchanged for decades.
According to NBC News, the Pentagon’s proposals do not rule out any option available to the U.S. president.

Instead, the proposals aim to “expand the range of choices by providing realistic and credible options, thereby strengthening deterrence.”

The document is being developed under the leadership of Elbridge Colby, head of the Pentagon’s policy division. The work is being conducted as part of the regular review of U.S. nuclear strategy, which is typically carried out after a new president takes office. Colby has long advocated a greater role for tactical nuclear weapons.

According to Colby, U.S. adversaries believe Washington is unlikely to use long-range nuclear weapons to destroy an opponent’s nuclear forces under the current nuclear strategy.

The new concept has already raised concerns among some U.S. lawmakers.

They argue that it could make the use of nuclear weapons appear less threatening or lead to reduced military readiness in certain scenarios.

Some critics also fear that the new approach could affect the combat readiness of the U.S. Armed Forces. In particular, shifting the focus toward shorter-range weapons could influence military training and preparation priorities.

An NBC News source in Congress criticized the study, saying it was inconsistent with President Trump’s stated goal of strengthening U.S. nuclear deterrence and arguing that the administration seeks more nuclear options rather than fewer.

In late June, it was reported that the United States was launching its largest modernization program for the naval component of its nuclear triad in decades. The effort includes the development of a next-generation ballistic missile and the first new nuclear warhead in nearly 40 years.