US Deputy Secretary of Defense: Growing interest in small tactical nukes, 'reasonable nuclear options' needed

Elbridge Colby, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense for Policy, has highlighted a growing interest in small, tactical nuclear weapons, suggesting the United States needs to maintain "reasonable nuclear options." This comes amid concerns that adversaries might consider using low-yield nuclear weapons in regional conflicts.

Colby reportedly made these remarks during a private speech at the U.S. Strategic Command's Deterrence Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska. His comments suggest a shift in U.S. nuclear strategy discussions, moving beyond a sole reliance on high-yield strategic weapons to address the evolving threat landscape posed by potential limited nuclear use.

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reasonable nuclear options

The deputy secretary expressed greater concern over regional wars than large-scale attacks on the U.S. He indicated that conventional conflicts could escalate to limited nuclear exchanges, a scenario that necessitates a re-evaluation of U.S. nuclear posture. This aligns with recent media reports suggesting the Pentagon is prioritizing discussions on low-yield tactical nuclear weapons.

Colby also mentioned that the U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing the authorities and responsibilities of the Strategic Command chief and the Secretary of Defense concerning nuclear policy. However, he stressed that the outcomes of this review would not be made public. U.S. nuclear forces are operated by the Strategic Command.

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The U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing the authorities and responsibilities of the Strategic Command chief and the Secretary of Defense concerning nuclear policy.