WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. has a new weapon in its nuclear arsenal.U.S. submarines are being armed with nuclear warheads.
The Pentagon said a submarine-launched low-yield nuclear warhead has been utilized.
Undersecretary of Defense John Rood confirmed that low-yield warheads have been added to submarine-style ballistic missiles.
“This supplemental capability strengthens deterrence and provides the United States a prompt, more survivable low-yield strategic weapon; supports our commitment to extended deterrence; and demonstrates to potential adversaries that there is no advantage to limited nuclear employment because the United States can credibly and decisively respond to any threat scenario,” Rood said in a statement.
This marks the first time submarines have been armed with nuclear weapons since the George W. Bush Administration.The weapons were first produced last year and are meant to be less destructive than traditional U.S. nuclear weapons.
The Trump Administration says deterrence against Russia is why the warhead is needed.It was sought by the administration back in 2018.
Officials say the nuclear code options in the Presidential "football" have been updated to reflect this weapon.The weapons were first produced last year and they are meant to be less destructive than traditional U.S. nuclear weapons.