Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

Explore Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

Latest in Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

Recreation of early nuclear age plutonium pit

First Plutonium Pit For Nuclear Warhead Produced In The U.S. In 35 Years Is Now “Weapon-Ready”

By Howard Altman
Oct 4 1:13 PM EDT
For the first time in more than four decades, China has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) out in the Western Pacific, ostensibly for training purposes.

First Chinese ICBM Test Into The Pacific In Decades Is A Big Deal (Updated)

By Joseph Trevithick
Sep 25 5:16 PM EDT
India has reportedly introduced to service its second nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, or SSBN, INS Arighat, marking a significant development in the country’s burgeoning strategic nuclear capability. The new submarine, armed with indigenously developed ballistic missiles, is understood to incorporate improvements over its predecessor, although India’s SSBN fleet, and its nuclear forces in general, continue to be hugely outstripped by those of China, its main strategic rival.

India’s Improved Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Enters Service

By Thomas Newdick
Aug 29 6:23 PM EDT
The ballooning cost of the US Air Force's Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile program is one of the drivers behind uncertainly over the future of its sixth-generation combat jet effort, which could evolve into a fully uncrewed platform.

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Uncertainty Tied To Sentinel ICBM Woes

By Joseph Trevithick
Jul 23 8:32 PM EDT
The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.

Problem Plagued Sentinel ICBM Program Will Press Ahead Despite Nearly Doubling In Cost

By Joseph Trevithick
Jul 8 4:24 PM EDT
North Korea says it has successfully tested a ballistic missile fitted with a multiple independently targetable reentry vehicle (MIRV) payload — one that contains several warheads, each capable of hitting a different target. Meanwhile, South Korea claims that the test was a failure. Whether successful or not, the emergence of MIRV technologies is another indicator of North Korea’s rapidly developing strategic arsenal, which is growing in size and capabilities despite sanctions.

Conflicting Claims Surround North Korea’s Test Of Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicle

By Thomas Newdick
Jun 27 2:55 PM EDT
ERCS doomsday satellite of the Cold War

America’s Cold War Doomsday Satellite

By Tyler Rogoway
Jun 4 2:59 PM EDT
STRAIT OF SAN JUAN DE FUCA, Wash. (May 6, 2024) The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) transits the Strait of San Juan de Fuca escorted by U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and U.S. Coast Guard screening escort vessels. Joint operations, such as this one which involved the Air Force, Coast Guard, and Navy, ensure the U.S. military is ready to meet its security commitments at home and abroad including commitments to our allies and partners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gwendelyn Ohrazda/Released)

A-10 Warthogs Escorting A Ballistic Missile Submarine Is Certainly Different

By Oliver Parken
May 8 8:28 PM EDT
The UK Ministry of Defense has provided details about how it plans to test its new A21 nuclear warhead without actually detonating one.

How The U.K. Will Test Its New Nuclear Warhead Without Setting One Off

By Joseph Trevithick
Mar 25 5:11 PM EDT
What looks to be a counter-drone armor screen has appeared on the conning tower of the Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine Tula.

Russian Submarines Now Appear To Be Getting Anti-Drone “Cope Cages”

By Joseph Trevithick
Mar 20 8:26 PM EDT
The head of US Strategic Command has advocated for the US military taking a serious look at going back to deploying intercontinental ballistic missiles loaded with multiple nuclear warheads.

Return To ICBMs Armed With Multiple Warheads Suggested By STRATCOM Boss

By Joseph Trevithick
Feb 29 6:47 PM EST
A new report indicates the thresholds for Russia's use of tactical nuclear weapons are much lower than have previously been understood and also points to continued planning for a potential nuclear conflict with China.

Russia’s Low Threshold For Nuclear Weapons Use Detailed In New Report

By Joseph Trevithick
Feb 28 10:11 PM EST
Royal Navy Trident Ballistic Missile Fails Test Launch For Second Time In A Row

Royal Navy Trident Ballistic Missile Fails Test Launch For Second Time In A Row

By Thomas Newdick
Feb 21 1:02 PM EST
Northrop Grumman says it has successfully conducted a shroud fly-off test as part of the development of the new LGM-35 intercontinental ballistic missile for the U.S. Air Force.

New Sentinel ICBM’s Nose Shroud Separation Test A Flying Success

By Joseph Trevithick
Feb 20 1:52 PM EST
Missiles filled with water and silo lids that don't work properly are among the corruption-related issues that have reportedly led to a major purge of Chinese military officials in the past year.

Water-Filled Missiles, Silo Problems Behind China Purge: Report

By Joseph Trevithick
Jan 8 5:30 PM EST
This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked

This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked

By Thomas Newdick
Dec 13 4:27 PM EST