The end of the New START treaty paved the way for the United States to review its strategic nuclear posture.
Without the limitations imposed by the agreement with Russia, the US Air Force says it is ready to expand its capabilities, including the possibility of re-equipping Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads and restoring nuclear capability to all bombers B-52.
Currently, the 400 Minuteman IIIs in operation carry just one warhead each, in line with previous arms control agreements. However, the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) stated that it maintains training and structure to resume the MIRV configuration, which allows a single missile to hit multiple targets with independent warheads. Experts point out that the measure would require technical adaptations and additional resources, but would reinforce the US deterrence power.
In the case of bombers, 30 of the 76 B-52H are currently limited to conventional missions. Reconversion to nuclear capacity is considered technically viable, although there are disagreements about the costs involved. Congress has already authorized the change after the expiration of New START, but has not determined deadlines or allocated specific funds for the measure.
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The potential changes could also impact future programs, such as the new LGM-35A Sentinel missile and the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. While Washington claims to remain open to new arms control agreements — advocating China’s inclusion in negotiations — the current scenario marks the first time in decades that the US nuclear arsenal is not formally limited by a bilateral treaty with Moscow.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: @defense_civil25 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
How can you tell if a B-52 is “combat ready” ie. nuke capable? Watch the entire walk around here: pic.twitter.com/CNlHtdbzSq
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) June 20, 2024
