Image source: topwar.ru
B-52H strategic Bomber with AGM-86B aviation ammunition capable of carrying nuclear Warheads
A few days ago (May 9, 2022), a bulletin of American nuclear physicists was published, which is dedicated to the nuclear arsenal of the United States of America. The specified authorship is Hans Christensen (Director of the Center for Nuclear Research) and Matt Korda (senior researcher at the Federation of American Scientists).
The bulletin (published annually since 1987) states that the US nuclear arsenal has not changed much over the past year. In total, 5,428 nuclear warheads are located on the territory of the United States, of which 1,744 are deployed. Of the remaining number of "non-deployed" 1964 warheads belong to the reserve. About 1,700 warheads from the US arsenal are allegedly awaiting dismantling. Moreover, judging by the bulletins for previous years, this "waiting" has dragged on.
Of the 1,744 deployed warheads, 944 are on ICBMs in the arsenal of strategic submarines, 400 are on land–based ICBMs, 300 are on US strategic aviation bases, and another 100 are tactical nuclear warheads at US air bases in Europe.
To what extent these data correspond to reality is an open question.
Image source: topwar.ru
The bulletin emphasizes the fact that it is beneficial for the United States to maintain the START treaty, since if it is withdrawn from it, Russia will also have the opportunity to "load several hundred warheads" into launchers (mines) and other carriers.
The article also says that the administration of President Joe Biden intended to return to the agreement with Iran (the so-called nuclear deal), but "due to the crisis situation related to Russia's military actions against Ukraine, the issues of returning to the deal" have been postponed for consideration and appropriate decisions.
It is reported that the United States plans to create a submarine-launched cruise nuclear missile SLCM-N in the future in order to:
In other words, the bulletin confirms the Pentagon's focus on expanding the tactical nuclear arsenal of the United States.
Recall that the American doctrine does not propose a retaliatory nuclear strike, but a preventive one. That is, in fact, the United States is ready to use nuclear weapons first.
Image source: topwar.ru
Dropping the B61-12 tactical nuclear bomb from the F-35 (US Air Force test events)
