US Nuclear Readiness: New START Treaty End Triggers Alert Level Increase
The end of the New START treaty, which limited U.S. And Russian nuclear arsenals, is prompting a shift in U.S. Military posture. The Global Strike Command of the U.S. Air Force is now prepared to increase the number of warheads on Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and potentially restore the nuclear capability of B-52 bombers, should it be required.
B-52 Bombers Ready for Nuclear Mission
Currently, 400 Minuteman III missiles are stationed in silos across Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado. While each missile is capable of carrying multiple warheads, they are presently equipped with only one, adhering to the stipulations of the New START treaty.
Of the 76 B-52H bombers in the U.S. Air Force’s inventory – alongside the B-2, the only aircraft with a nuclear mission – 30 are presently configured for conventional munitions only. This configuration was also dictated by the treaty’s limits on strategic bombers, nuclear missiles, and deployed warheads.
“The conclusion of New START allows us to rationalize our focus and dedicate more resources to our primary mission: ensuring a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent,” stated a Global Strike Command spokesperson to The War Zone, adding that this transition will improve operational readiness.
The U.S. Nuclear Triad
Like Russia, the United States bases its strategic nuclear deterrent on a triad: land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers.
The New START treaty limited each side to 800 delivery systems. Reassigning all B-52s to the nuclear mission represents the quickest and most cost-effective solution for Washington. This conversion requires relatively minor adjustments, including wiring, interconnection boxes, and switches for nuclear codes.
Increasing the number of warheads on the Minuteman III missiles is a more complex undertaking. Some missiles would need to be refitted with multiple-load buses capable of carrying several independent warheads. The immediate availability of warheads is also a consideration, though the U.S., like Russia, maintains nuclear warheads in reserve.
Navy Could Also Enhance Deterrence
The U.S. Navy could follow a similar path by reactivating four vertical launch tubes – out of a total of 24 – on its 14 active Ohio-class nuclear submarines. Each tube can house a Trident ballistic missile, capable of carrying up to 8 nuclear warheads.
Under the treaty’s limits, the U.S. Maintained 911 warheads for Trident missiles, without being required to declare the exact number of warheads per carrier. With the end of New START, a first step could be loading the Trident missiles with the maximum number of warheads allowed, increasing strategic nuclear deterrence capacity.
A “Dual” Deterrence Against Russia and China
The United States and Russia do not necessarily need to initiate a new arms race; they already possess systems compatible with reserve warheads that can be rapidly reactivated.
This American choice, contrasting with Russia’s decision to remain within previous limits for deployed warheads, responds to Washington’s need to maintain a nuclear deterrent on two fronts: not only against Russia, but also against China, which has been rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New START treaty?
The New START treaty limited the number of strategic nuclear warheads, intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers that the United States and Russia could deploy.
What is the U.S. Nuclear triad?
The U.S. Nuclear triad consists of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers.
How many B-52 bombers does the U.S. Air Force have?
The U.S. Air Force has 76 B-52H bombers, alongside the B-2, which are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
As the U.S. Adjusts its nuclear posture, what implications might this have for global strategic stability?