Nuclear(Page 3)

Latest in Nuclear

While it has long been a world-ending threat in science fiction, U.S. Air Force and Space Force officials see artificial intelligence (AI) playing important, if not critical roles in the command and control enterprise at the heart of America's nuclear deterrent capabilities.
Nuclear Command And Control

How The Military Wants AI To Help Control America’s Nuclear Arsenal

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Mar 7, 2025

In this handout image provided by the U.S. Air Force, 492nd FS commander, prepare to taxi their F-15E Strike Eagle prior to their departure from RAF Lakenheath in preparation for Operation Odyssey Dawn missions March 19, 2011 in Lakenheath, United, Kingdom. Approximately 112 cruise missiles fired from U.S. and British ships and submarines targeting about 20 radar and anti-aircraft sites along Libya's Mediterranean coast.
B61-12

USAF Air Base In England Is Nuclear Capable Again: Watchdog Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 27, 2025

France is apparently looking at the possibility of deploying air-launched nuclear weapons to Germany, a consideration that’s being made amid growing concerns that the United States will no longer guarantee European security under NATO. Broader discussions about nuclear deterrence among European leaders points very clearly to the deepening crisis in the transatlantic alliance under U.S. President Donald Trump.
B61

France Eyeing Deployment Of Nuclear-Armed Rafale Fighters To Germany: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 25, 2025

Top Ukrainian nuclear experts are concerned that the drone strike on the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant radiation shield could have lasting affects.
Nuclear Power

Hole Blasted By Drone In Chernobyl’s Radiation Shield: What We Know

By Howard Altman

Posted on Feb 14, 2025

A U.S. Air Force Convair B-36B-1-CF Peacemaker (s/n 44-92033) of the 7th Bombardment Wing in flight, in 1949. This aircraft was retired to the MASDC on 19 November 1956.
Nuclear Bombs

America’s First Broken Arrow Incident Happened 75 Years Ago

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Feb 14, 2025

While the 1950s was a time of truly unusual and fast-paced innovation in military aerospace, one of the more bizarre projects was for a nuclear-armed, liquid-fueled development of the Sidewinder air-to-air missile.
Air Launched Nuclear Missles

The Navy Nearly Built A Nuclear Armed “Super Sidewinder” Air-To-Air Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 1, 2025

A detail model has provided what’s likely our best idea of how the U.K. Royal Navy’s new Dreadnought class nuclear ballistic submarine, or SSBN will appear. The four Dreadnought ‘bombers’ represent one of the most important U.K. defense programs for many years and it’s notable to see how many advanced features the design includes, as the Royal Navy seeks to find the optimum balance between speed, stealth, and firepower. The four new SSBNs will replace the Vanguard class that entered service in the 1990s.
UGM-133 Trident II (D5)

Our Best Look Yet At Britain’s New Dreadnought Class Ballistic Missile Submarine Design

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 31, 2025

More new variants of the B61 nuclear gravity bomb could be on the horizon for the U.S. military.
B61-12

Hints At More B61 Nuclear Bomb Variants In The U.S. Military’s Future

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 7, 2025

Jimmy Carter on a submarine.
Nuclear

The Time Navy Lt. Jimmy Carter Was Lowered Into A Partially Melted-Down Nuclear Reactor

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Dec 30, 2024

North Korea's new warship with VLS and phased array radar.
Nuclear Proliferation

North Korea’s New Warship Appears To Be Designed For Vertical Launch System, Phased Array Radar

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 30, 2024

Salem Nuclear Power Plant in New Jersey was one of 22 energy infrastructure sites in the state that the FAA banned drone flights over.
Nuclear

Nuclear Power Plants Report Massive Uptick In Drone Sightings

By Howard Altman

Updated on Dec 21, 2024

Navy’s Future E-130J TACAMO ‘Doomsday Plane’ Seen In New Rendering
Nuclear Command And Control

Navy’s Future E-130J TACAMO ‘Doomsday Plane’ Seen In New Rendering

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 19, 2024

A view of the scene after Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, chief of Russia's Radiation, Chemical and Biological Protection Defense Troops, and his assistant were killed in an explosion in Moscow, Russia on December 17, 2024. The blast was caused by an explosive device planted in an electric scooter, Svetlana Petrenko, spokesperson for the Russian Investigative Committee, said in a video statement on Telegram.
Nuclear

Russian General Accused Of Using Chemical Weapons Assassinated By Ukraine

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 17, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of forward deploying new conventionally-armed Oreshnik missiles capable of carrying multiple warheads in neighboring Belarus in the latter half of next year.
ICBMs

Experimental Ballistic Missile Russia Used On Ukraine Could Be Headed To Belarus

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 6, 2024

While it has turned out that the RS-26-based Oreshnik that Russia fired at Ukraine was not a conventionally-armed ICBM, it still highlights the very real interest in, if not more active development and even potential fielding of, a weapon of that kind globally.
ICBMs

Conventionally Armed ICBM Concept Highlighted By Unprecedented Russian Missile Attack On Ukraine

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 22, 2024

A RS-24 Yars intercontinental ballistic missile vehicle during the rehearsals for the Victory Day Military Parade at the polygon, on April 18, 2022 in Alabino, outside of Moscow, Russia. About 12,000 soldiers and officers are expected to take pat at the Red Square Victory Day Military Parade, planned on May 9.
ICBMs

The Story Of Russia’s Secretive RS-26 Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 22, 2024

Submarine launches tomahawk cruise missile.
Nuclear History

Pros And Cons Of The Navy’s Controversial Submarine-Launched Nuclear Cruise Missile

By Geoff Ziezulewicz

Posted on Nov 21, 2024

Russian President Vladimir Putin says his country's forces fired a previously unknown medium-range hypersonic missile called Oreshnik at Ukraine earlier today.
ICBMs

Russia’s Experimental Ballistic Missile Used To Strike Ukraine Is Based On The RS-26 Rubezh

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 21, 2024

Ukraine claims Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at the city of Dmipro.
ICBMs

Russia’s Unprecedented Ballistic Missile Attack On Ukraine: What We Know

By Howard Altman, Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 21, 2024

The U.S. military has not seen demonstrable evidence of North Korea successfully testing a re-entry vehicle capable of bringing a nuclear warhead back down to Earth through the atmosphere, according to America's top officer in the Pacific region.
ICBMs

ICBM Reentry Vehicle Capability Still Unproven By North Korea, U.S. Military Says

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 20, 2024

Ukraine has used the U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) for the first time against a target inside Russia. The announcement comes soon after Moscow warned that the use of Western-supplied long-range missiles by Ukraine against Russia could trigger a nuclear response, after Russian nuclear war plans were updated.
Nuclear Policy

U.S.-Supplied ATACMS Missile Strike Inside Russia Have Begun

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 19, 2024

North Korea has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that it claims is its longest-ranged so far. The announcement of the test of the Hwasong-19 comes amid large-scale U.S.-South Korean military maneuvers during which their aircraft have bombed mock-ups of North Korean ballistic missile launchers.
North Korea Nuclear Crisis

North Korea’s New ICBM May Have Biggest Transporter-Erector-Launcher We’ve Ever Seen

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 1, 2024

NATO Flexes With Simultaneous Nuclear Strike And Naval Warfare Exercises
B61

NATO Flexes With Simultaneous Nuclear Strike And Naval Warfare Exercises

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 25, 2024

B-2 MOP Yemen iran
Iran Nuclear Crisis

B-2 Spirits Just Sent A Very Ominous Message To Iran

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Oct 17, 2024

A TV screen shows an image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a ceremony on September 6 to celebrate the launch of a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" during a news program at the Yongsanl Railway Station. North Korea has launched a newly built "tactical nuclear attack submarine" capable of carrying out an underwater nuclear attack, with leader Kim Jong Un vowing to "further strengthen the state nuclear deterrence," the North's state media said on September 8. (
Nuclear Proliferation

Signs Point To North Korea Building A Nuclear-Powered Submarine: South Korean Intel

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Oct 9, 2024

Recreation of early nuclear age plutonium pit
Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

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

By Howard Altman

Posted on Oct 4, 2024

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.
ICBMs

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Sep 25, 2024

Israel raid
Iran Nuclear Crisis

Israeli Commando Raid In Syria Sends A Message To Iran That Its Underground Bases Are Not Untouchable

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway, Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Sep 13, 2024

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.
SLBMs

India’s Improved Nuclear Ballistic Missile Submarine Enters Service

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 29, 2024

Nulcear Warhead inventory released by NNSA
Nuclear

Just How Many Nuclear Weapons Does The U.S. Actually Have?

By Tyler Rogoway

Updated on Jul 30, 2024

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.
ICBMs

Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Uncertainty Tied To Sentinel ICBM Woes

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 24, 2024

W76-1 warhead
Nuclear Policy

Current American Nuclear Warhead Inventory Numbers Revealed

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 22, 2024

B-2 sprit taking off.
Nuclear

B-2 Stealth Bomber’s Latest Upgrade Is Here

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jul 17, 2024

Two legendary U.S. nuclear bombers, their first flights separated by almost half a century, took to the skies over Missouri at the weekend. The formation flights by the U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and the B-29 Doc — one of only two examples of the World War II-era bomber that are flying anywhere in the world — were, the service believes, the first time that these two legendary aircraft had flown together in this way.
Nuclear

B-2 Spirit Joined By B-29 Superfortress For Unprecedented Nuclear Bomber Heritage Flight

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jul 15, 2024

The first weapon-ready plutonium pit for the future W81-! nuclear warhead has been produced.
LGM-30 Minuteman III

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

The Department of Energy has recieved two new AW139 helicopters specially configured for nuclear detection missions.
Nuclear

AW139 Nuclear Detection Helicopters Join Department Of Energy Fleet, Replace Bell 412s

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jul 8, 2024

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.
ICBMs

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 27, 2024

Congress is pressing ahead with legislation that would compel the Air Force to restore nuclear capability to its entire fleet of B-52 bombers after the likely sunset of an armed control deal with Russia.
Air Launched Nuclear Missles

What It Will Take To Make The Entire B-52 Fleet Nuclear-Capable

By Joseph Trevithick

Updated on Jun 26, 2024

Screencap from a Russian MOD video showing a Belarusian Su-25 Frogfoot
Nuclear Bombs

Belarus Touts Su-25 Loaded With Simulated Nuclear Bombs But Won’t Show Them

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Jun 14, 2024

Russian nuclear submarine Kazan arrives in Cuba.
Nuclear

Russia’s Kazan Advanced Nuclear Guided-Missile Submarine Has Arrived In Cuba

By Thomas Newdick and Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jun 12, 2024

Russia said its troops had started the second stage of drills to practise the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons alongside Belarusian troops after what Moscow said were threats from western powers. The ministry said the drills were aimed at ensuring that the two countries’ military personnel and equipment were ready to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Nuclear

Ukraine Situation Report: Russia Resumes Tactical Nuke Drills

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jun 11, 2024

ERCS doomsday satellite of the Cold War
Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

America’s Cold War Doomsday Satellite

By Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Jun 4, 2024

A U.S. B-2A Spirit bomber assigned to the 509th Bomb Wing and a Royal Netherlands air force F-35A conduct aerial operations in support of Bomber Task Force Europe 20-2 over the North Sea March 18, 2020. Bomber missions provide opportunities to train and work with NATO allies and theater partners in combined and joint operations and exercises.
B61-12

Dutch F-35s Take On A Full Nuclear Role

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 31, 2024

Satellite imagery confirms an attack on a Russian strategic early warning radar site, which could point to a new and worrisome dimension to the conflict around Ukraine.
Nuclear

Strike On Russian Strategic Early Warning Radar Site Is A Big Deal

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 24, 2024

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)
UGM-133 Trident II (D5)

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

By Oliver Parken

Posted on May 9, 2024

Iskander M Ukraine running low
Battlefield Nuclear Weapons

Putin Orders Tactical Nuclear Drills In Response To Western “Threats”

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 7, 2024

Satellites in space
Nuclear

Russia’s Anti-Satellite Nuke Could Leave Lower Orbit Unusable, Test Vehicle May Already Be Deployed

By Oliver Parken, Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 3, 2024

We now have a look at the Marine Corps' new uncrewed Tomahawk launch vehicle actually firing a missile.
BGM-109 Tomahawk-N

Our First Look At Marines’ Tomahawk Missile Launching Drone Truck Firing

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on May 3, 2024

Poland F-16 nuclear weapons
Nuclear

Ukraine Situation Report: Poland “Ready” To Host Nuclear Weapons

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Apr 22, 2024

The UK Ministry of Defense has provided details about how it plans to test its new A21 nuclear warhead without actually detonating one.
UGM-133 Trident II (D5)

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 25, 2024

What looks to be a counter-drone armor screen has appeared on the conning tower of the Russian nuclear ballistic missile submarine Tula.
Nuclear Ballistic Missiles

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 21, 2024

F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB
B61-12

F-35A Is Officially Certified For Nuclear Strike

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 9, 2024

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.
LGM-30 Minuteman III

Return To ICBMs Armed With Multiple Warheads Suggested By STRATCOM Boss

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 29, 2024

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.
ICBMs

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 29, 2024

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

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

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Feb 21, 2024

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.
ICBMs

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Feb 20, 2024

The Defense Secretary has a limited role in the nuclear weapons chain of command.
Nuclear Command And Control

Does The President Need The Defense Secretary To Launch A Nuclear Strike?

By Howard Altman

Posted on Jan 10, 2024

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.
ICBMs

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

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Jan 8, 2024

This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked
ICBMs

This Is Exactly How The Latest Ballistic Missile Defense Test Worked

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 13, 2023

A picture has emerged offering a rare glimpse of ongoing work to field new B61-12 nuclear bombs in Europe.
B61-12

First Picture Of B61-12 Nuclear Bomb Trainer On An F-16 In Europe Surfaces

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Dec 13, 2023

The B61-12 nuclear bomb is now officially in the U.S. stockpile and approved for employment from the B-2A Spirit stealth bomber.
B61-12

B-2 Spirit Now Operational With New B61-12 Nuclear Bombs

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 28, 2023

Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall says the Sentinel ICBM program is "struggling" and keeping it on track will "cost money."
ICBMs

Sentinel ICBM “Struggling,” Keeping On Track Will Come At A Cost

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 14, 2023

F-35 drops B61-12 during a test at Edwards AFB
B61-12

Dutch F-35s Gain Nuclear Strike Mission “Initial Certification”

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Nov 10, 2023

A routine test of launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was "terminated" after it experienced an "anomaly."
LGM-30 Minuteman III

Minuteman III Ballistic Missile Ordered To Destroy Itself During Test Launch

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Nov 2, 2023