US Consider Expanding Nuclear Arsenal and Reactivating Multiple Warheads After End of New START

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US Consider Expanding Nuclear Arsenal and Reactivating Multiple Warheads After End of New START
US Consider Expanding Nuclear Arsenal and Reactivating Multiple Warheads After End of New START (X @defense_civil25)

The end of the New START treaty has opened the way for the United States to review its strategic nuclear posture.

Without the limitations imposed by the agreement with Russia, the U.S. Air Force says it is ready to expand its capabilities, including the possibility of once again equipping Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles with multiple warheads and restoring nuclear capability to all B-52 bombers.

Currently, the 400 Minuteman III missiles in operation carry only one warhead each, in compliance with previous arms control agreements. However, the Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) stated that it maintains the training and structure required to resume the MIRV configuration, which allows a single missile to strike multiple targets with independent warheads. Experts note that the move would require technical adaptations and additional resources, but would strengthen U.S. deterrence power.

In the case of the bombers, 30 of the 76 B-52H aircraft are currently limited to conventional missions. Reconversion to nuclear capability is considered technically feasible, although there are disagreements regarding the costs involved. Congress has already authorized the change following the expiration of the New START, but has not set deadlines or allocated specific funding for the measure.

The possible changes could also impact future programs, such as the new LGM-35A Sentinel missile and the B-21 Raider stealth bomber. While Washington says it remains open to new arms control agreements — advocating for China’s inclusion in negotiations — the current scenario marks the first time in decades that the U.S. nuclear arsenal is not formally limited by a bilateral treaty with Moscow.

Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @defense_civil25 | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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