nuclear

How (not) to reorganize the Air Force

After a top Air Force official strongly hinted at coming changes to the Air Force's structure, Adam Lowther and Curtis McGiffin warn that one particular option would be bad news for America's nuclear readiness.

Inconsistent acquisition authorities for nuclear weapons are harming modernization

CSIS’s Sarah Mineiro argues that bureaucracy is endangering the well-being of the most powerful weapons on the planet.

Austin at STRATCOM: nuclear powers must avoid ‘irresponsible’ threats

During a roundtable with reporters a STRATCOM representative said recent comments by Russia's Vladimir Putin "wanted to message that he would not take first strike off the table.”

Idaho National Labs to build Pentagon’s mobile ‘nuclear microreactor’

The Strategic Capabilities Office is considering engineering designs by BWXT Advanced Technologies, LLC, and X-energy, LLC. One design will be selected and announced this spring. 

Time to relearn nuclear escalation management for the 21st century

"The US has spent the last three decades siloing nuclear capabilities off into their own box, and hence we are behind the ball on thinking of how to deal with an increasingly desperate foe who sees nuclear weapons not as a final instrument, but as part of the broader orchestra," writes Robbin Laird.

Milley breaks with cancelation of new nuclear cruise missile

"My general view is that this president or any president deserve to have multiple options to deal with national security situations," Milley said. "And my advice is listened to. And I have an opportunity to express my voice on a continuous basis many, many times.”

Keep concerns over Ukraine’s nuclear reactors realistic

Fear during a war is understandable, but the situation with Ukraine's nuclear reactors is simply not as scary as it sounds, writes nuclear expert Jack Kelly.

Yearlong CR would ‘irreversibly delay’ nuclear modernization programs: service chiefs

The Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, Columbia-class ballistic submarine and B-21 bomber could all face delays under a yearlong continuing resolution, service officials said.

Updated B61 nuclear warhead enters production

The new B61-12, with replaced or refurbished components, will be used by the F-15, F-16 and B-2, among others.

Chinese orbital bombardment? Don’t panic!

Around this time last month the defense world was sent a tizzy by a reported Chinese hypersonic orbital weapons test. While many questions remain unanswered, Bleddyn Bowen and Cameron Hunter of the University of Leicester have some advice: calm down. The following is an abridged and updated summary of a report published by the Asia-Pacific […]

GBSD: First Missile Test Flight 2023, Initial Production 2026

"We've entered into the next big phase, what we call 'CDR season,'" Greg Manuel, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Strategic Deterrent Systems division, told Breaking Defense.

Back To The Future With Nuclear Power In Space

Nuclear propulsion for space-bound rockets wasn’t science fiction even in the 1960s, and 60 years later multiple programs are rediscovering this promising technology.

The US Navy’s Nuclear Proliferation Problem

US Navy reactors currently use about 100 nuclear bombs’ worth of HEU each year, more than all of the world’s other reactors combined.

STRATCOM Chief Warns Of Chinese ‘Strategic Breakout’

“The breathtaking growth and strategic nuclear capability enables China to change their posture and their strategy," Adm. Charles Richard said.