Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Post

Join us in person or online this Thursday at 1pm EST for "A Conversation with Jon Finer on Recent Developments in the Biden Administration's WMD Policies" at the Carnegie Endowment for Intl. Peace.    As the United States approaches the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) in February 2026, there are critical questions about the future of nuclear arms control, strategic stability, and global nonproliferation efforts. U.S. Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer will discuss the Biden administration’s efforts to reduce nuclear dangers and adapt U.S. nuclear weapons and nonproliferation policy to an uncertain world, as evidenced by the rapid changes occurring in Syria. Finer will take questions from the Arms Control Association’s Executive Director Daryl Kimball. Following Finer's address, a distinguished panel will examine the implications of the looming expiration of New START. Madelyn Creedon, chair of the 2023 Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States, Adam Mount, senior fellow and director of the Defense Posture Project at the Federation of American Scientists, and James Acton, co-director of Carnegie’s Nuclear Policy program, will explore key considerations surrounding U.S. nuclear forces and requirements, arms control, and nonproliferation policy. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eZqG-JEG

Nuclear weapons remain central to global security, with their influence shaping both military strategies and international relations. From the concept of nuclear deterrence to the intricate mechanisms of nuclear arms control, nuclear weapons represent both a power that maintains peace through fear and a threat that carries the risk of catastrophic consequences. This article explores the key elements of nuclear weapon use, control, and strategy, examining their impact on both state and non-state actors.

On November 1, 1952, the United States conducted its first test of a hydrogen bomb, codenamed 'Ivy Mike,' at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This event marked a significant advancement in nuclear weapons technology, demonstrating the United States' capabilities in developing thermonuclear weapons, which were vastly more powerful than atomic bombs. The explosion created a mushroom cloud over 4.5 miles in diameter and left a crater 164 feet deep and 6,240 feet across. The test had significant implications for high-altitude flights, as it provided crucial data on the effects of large-scale nuclear detonations in the upper atmosphere. This information was vital for military planning and the development of strategies for both offensive and defensive purposes in the Cold War era. The successful detonation of 'Ivy Mike' also signaled a new era in the arms race, prompting further developments in nuclear arms by other nations. #milestonesinhistory #IvyMike #ColdWarNuclear #ThermonuclearBreakthrough #EnewetakAtoll #ArmsRaceEra #NuclearAdvancements #aviationhistory

On November 1, 1952, the United States conducted its first test of a hydrogen bomb, codenamed 'Ivy Mike,' at Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands. This event marked a significant advancement in nuclear weapons technology, demonstrating the United States' capabilities in developing thermonuclear weapons, which were vastly more powerful than atomic bombs. The explosion created a mushroom cloud over 4.5 miles in diameter and left a crater 164 feet deep and 6,240 feet across. The test had significant implications for high-altitude flights, as it provided crucial data on the effects of large-scale nuclear detonations in the upper atmosphere. This information was vital for military planning and the development of strategies for both offensive and defensive purposes in the Cold War era. The successful detonation of 'Ivy Mike' also signaled a new era in the arms race, prompting further developments in nuclear arms by other nations. #milestonesinhistory #IvyMike #ColdWarNuclear #ThermonuclearBreakthrough #EnewetakAtoll #ArmsRaceEra #NuclearAdvancements #aviationhistory

The United States, our allies, and partners absolutely need a viable land leg of the strategic triad. The strategic forces of the US underpin our security and that of our allies and partners. Russia and PRC will be watching what we do next and whether we remain committed to nuclear deterrence and the stabilizing effect that a large, geographically dispersed IC force provides.

I too am an old Sailor with experience in the days when tactical nuclear weapons were deployed on USN ships, and my experience is in the SSNs which would carry these weapons. I am not sure I agree with the author's assessment of the role of SECNAV, but I perceive that the SLCM-N "briefs well" but has limited utility. The successful employment of such a weapon certainly provides options, but the efforts to contain the downside of an unsuccessful attempt are glossed over. With serious consideration it will soon become obvious that the role of this weapon system is a niche delivery within a larger nuclear war. Nobody wants to be tracking down a downed airframe with a nuclear warhead as an added headache to a near-nuclear crisis, so who would launch? And the limited utility is not a free lunch. The Submarine Force relies upon a rapid turnover cycle of COTS insertion to ensure its combat systems will not suffer from supply chain obsolecsence. If nuclear certification is added to the mix, the need to stay current with industry may need to be sacrificed with great risk to the other capabilities which SSNs bring to the fight.

First, it improves theater deterrence options by decreasing reliance on aircraft-delivered weapons. Second, it could complement or replace the W76-2, distributing some of the theater deterrence role to attack submarines (SSNs) while reserving ballistic-missile submarines (SSBNs) for higher levels of conflict. Third, SLCM-N contributes to U.S. arms control, assurance, and nonproliferation objectives as complementary facets of U.S. nuclear strategy.

On Thursday, June 20, 2024, at 11:00 am ET, please join the Project on Nuclear Issues (PONI) and the Aerospace Security Project (ASP) for a fireside chat with Congressman Michael Turner (R-OH), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI), senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) and Head of the U.S. Delegation to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Parliamentary Assembly, moderated by Kari Bingen, ASP director, with introductory remarks by Dr. Heather Williams, PONI director. 📍: CSIS and Virtual The event will feature a discussion on the role of nuclear weapons in U.S. foreign policy and strategy, to include the strategic landscape, threat and technology trends, nuclear modernization, extended deterrence, arms control, and how the Intelligence Community is postured to address these challenges. The Chairman will open the event with his thoughts on the Russian nuclear anti-satellite threat and how the United States and international community must respond. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eUtc4UPJ #Defense #Pentagon #Intelligence #Aerospace #NuclearWeapons #ForeignPolicy

𝗟𝘂𝗳𝘁𝘄𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗲 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲: 𝗙-𝟯𝟱𝗔 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗡𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 The recent announcement of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) receiving its nuclear certification has been warmly welcomed, marking a significant milestone in Germany's procurement of these advanced aircraft. With Germany's decision to purchase 35 F-35A aircraft for both nuclear and conventional strike missions, the nuclear operational certification of the F-35A is a pivotal factor in solidifying the Luftwaffe's strategic capabilities. The timely awarding of this certification by the Joint Program Office (JPO) highlights the efficiency and readiness of the F-35A program. Having surpassed this crucial hurdle ahead of schedule, the Luftwaffe is now poised to enhance its operational readiness and effectiveness. This achievement follows rigorous testing, including nuclear flight trials conducted by the US Air Force's Test and Evaluation Squadrons. The successful release of B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies during the Full-Weapon System Demonstration demonstrates the F-35A's capability and reliability in fulfilling nuclear mission requirements. As Germany continues to modernize its defense capabilities, the integration of the F-35A into the Luftwaffe's fleet represents a significant step forward in ensuring national security and defense readiness.

A panel discussion Under Secretary of the Air Force Melissa Dalton and other Department of Defense leaders that took place last month shed some light on the topic of nuclear deterrent systems. Our national defense is underpinned by nuclear deterrence, so it’s imperative that we modernize our strategic forces and the technologies surrounding them. Gen Tom Bussiere, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, says “We have an obligation to the nation to maintain full operational capability while we transition from legacy to new… That’s going to be a very difficult, complex and complicated task, but we have no other option. We have to do it.” What did you think about this panel discussion and their approach to nuclear deterrence? #NuclearDeterrence #DeterrenceNews #DeterrenceStrategy #thinkdeterrence