Definition Though there is no single agreed upon definition of a tactical nuclear weapon, it is generally characterized by a lower yield and shorter range than a long-range (strategic) nuclear weapon. Tactical nuclear weapons are also sometimes referred to as battlefield nuclear weapons. Estimated Numbers of Tactical Nuclear Weapons as of 2010 • U.S.: The […]

by Kingston Reif Overview As it seeks to unilaterally and bilaterally reduce the role and number of nuclear weapons in U.S. national security policy, the Obama administration has also pledged to maintain a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent. This dual track approach comports with the recommendation of the bipartisan Congressional Commission on the Strategic […]

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates “The answer for successive presidents, as Secretary Clinton has said, of both parties, has always been with an agreement. The U.S. Senate has always agreed. The same answer holds true for New START. The U.S. is better off with this treaty than without it, and I am confident that it […]

Gen. Chilton: Russians unconstrained, lose insight into Russian nuclear arsenal “Without New START, we would rapidly lose insight into Russian strategic nuclear force developments and activities, and our force modernization planning and hedging strategy would be more complex and more costly. Without such a regime, we would unfortunately be left to use worst-case analyses regarding […]

Overview New START does not impose limits on non-strategic warheads. No previous arms control agreement has limited these weapons. While experts agree that tactical weapons present difficult challenges, there was not sufficient time to reach an agreement on nonstrategic forces during this round of negotiations. The best way to address tactical nuclear weapons is to […]