United States nuclear forces, 2019

Abstract

The United States maintains a nuclear arsenal of roughly 3,800 warheads, of which around 1,750 are deployed. The majority of the warheads are in reserve, with a significant number awaiting dismantlement. These weapons are located in 24 geographical locations across 11 states and 5 European countries. The article analyses the deployment and modernization of the US nuclear forces. It describes the US compliance with the New START treaty and the implications of the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review for the US nuclear policy. The article discusses new developments in US nuclear war planning and nuclear exercises, specifically the focus on new nuclear weapons, including low-yield warheads. It examines the modernization programs for US land-based ballistic missiles, nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines, and strategic bombers, highlighting the planned development of new nuclear weapons such as the B61-12 and the long-range standoff missile. Finally, the article outlines the status of US non-strategic nuclear weapons and discusses NATO’s nuclear posture modernization in Europe. – AI-generated abstract