Pentagon Drafts New Nuclear Strategy for Regional Wars

The US Department of Defense is preparing a major shift in its nuclear strategy for a potential regional conflict with Russia or China. According to NBC News, the new approach would place greater emphasis on shorter-range tactical nuclear weapons rather than relying primarily on long-range strategic missiles.

The review is being led by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. Its aim is to prepare the United States for scenarios in which Moscow or Beijing attacks US allies and to provide President Donald Trump with a broader range of military options.

Defense officials argue that more credible and usable capabilities could strengthen deterrence. Tactical nuclear weapons have a shorter range and are designed primarily for use against military or battlefield targets rather than entire cities.

The proposal has nevertheless reignited debate over whether it would lower the threshold for nuclear use. Critics warn that integrating such weapons more closely into military planning could make them appear more acceptable in conventional conflicts. Others fear that readiness to use long-range strategic missiles could be weakened.

Nuclear weapons have not been used in combat since the US bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

(nbcnews, bak)