All articles tagged with #nuclear deterrence
CBS News provides an exclusive look at the modernization of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, moving from aging Minuteman III missiles to the newer Sentinel system. The tour covers decommissioned silos, the large-scale build-out of hundreds of new launch facilities, a roughly $141 billion price tag, and the aim of faster, safer, and more capable deterrence, all while maintaining readiness during the transition.
European officials are quietly pursuing a “European NATO” inside the alliance to preserve deterrence, continuity of command, and nuclear credibility if Washington steps back. Germany’s shift under Chancellor Merz unlocked broader backing from the UK, France, Poland, the Nordics, and Canada, uniting like‑minded allies to take on more defense tasks within NATO’s framework without replacing it. Plans cover air/missile defense, reinforcement routes, logistics, and major exercises, while grappling with gaps in strategic intelligence and debates over extending nuclear roles. The push accelerated after Trump’s Greenland threat and Iran tensions, with Russia’s threat timeline pegged around 2029 and European readiness around 2035, aiming to deter Europe’s adversaries even if the U.S. falters.
Macron announced France will increase its nuclear arsenal for the first time since 1992 and broaden European deterrence through closer cooperation with eight allies (UK, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, Denmark), including potential deployment of nuclear-capable Rafale jets and a shared European framework, while preserving France’s sovereign decision on use.
President Macron unveiled an expanded French nuclear doctrine that would increase France’s arsenal and allow European partners to host or participate in its deterrence missions, introducing a “forward deterrence” concept and launching a France–Germany nuclear steering group to begin concrete cooperation, including joint exercises and visits to strategic sites. Several other European allies (Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden) could take part in French nuclear wargames, while Paris retains sole authority over nuclear strikes and funding details were not disclosed.
Kim Jong Un was re-elected general secretary of North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party at a rare congress, with delegates voting unanimously; KCNA said the country’s nuclear deterrence has been radically improved under his leadership, while Kim also pledged to boost living standards and push economic development.
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa said Europe must become a more decisive geopolitical actor and speak to the United States in a direct, unified voice after the Greenland dispute; she noted EU decision-making is evolving, with ideas like a European Security Council and even a European nuclear deterrent to gain greater respect in transatlantic ties.
At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders and officials discuss the possibility of Europe hosting a homegrown nuclear deterrent to complement the U.S. arsenal amid waning confidence in Washington’s commitment. Estonia and Latvia expressed openness to early talks, while France and the U.K. remain central to any plan, with Macron signaling a broader integration of deterrence that blends conventional and nuclear forces. Spain’s Sánchez cautioned against rearmament. NATO remains the anchor, with debates on linking French capabilities to alliance structures but not replacing the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Macron’s upcoming March speech is expected to spell out concrete options, from strengthening existing deterrence to exploring a supranational Eurodeterrent, as discussions remain in early stages.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has opened talks with Emmanuel Macron on strengthening Europe’s nuclear deterrent, including a potential German role in France’s nuclear umbrella, amid fears of a reduced US military presence in Europe. Macron says the discussions are exploratory and within NATO, aiming to adapt Europe’s security architecture and repair transatlantic ties as Europe faces rising great-power competition.
At Munich, Macron urged Europe to become a geopolitically stronger, more autonomous power with greater defense capability and tech leadership, hinting that France’s coming nuclear-doctrine speech could outline how its nuclear deterrent could bolster Europe’s security. He highlighted ongoing European defense collaborations (like ELSA and JEWEL), pushed for a coherent security architecture, and stressed maintaining a constructive transatlantic relationship while seeking greater European independence from the U.S.
ISW reports that Medvedev used a three-way media push to reaffirm Russia’s unchanged demands on Ukraine—neutrality, demilitarization, and denazification—while rejecting security guarantees and signaling continued use of nuclear deterrence to extract concessions in US-led talks. Militarily, Russia maintains pressure around Lyman with aims toward Slovyansk, but Ukrainian counterattacks and logistical constraints likely push any major operation several months out; Kyiv has moved to restrict non-registered Starlink terminals to curb drone use, and Belarusian balloon incursions reflect broader cognitive warfare. ISW assesses a rapid seizure of the Fortress Belt remains unlikely, with fighting spanning Kharkiv, Pokrovsk, Oskil, and Donetsk directions and continued cross-border activity as part of a long, multi-front campaign.)
Amid shifting geopolitics and Donald Trump’s Greenland gambit, Europe weighs whether it can deter adversaries with its own nuclear arsenal. Sweden’s revived interest in a Nordic programme (potentially with Germany) hints at a political turnaround after decades of disarmament talk, while Britain and France deepen defence cooperation. The piece questions whether Europe can maintain security autonomy from the U.S. in a changing transatlantic balance.
North Korea appears to strengthen its self-defence justification for nuclear and missile programs in response to the US operation against Nicolás Maduro, while launching supersonic missiles and reinforcing anti-South narratives ahead of the 9th Party Congress. Seoul and Beijing have pursued dialogue, but Pyongyang remains wary of denuclearization talks, signaling intensified domestic security measures and closer alignment with Russia and China as cross-border tensions rise.
North Korea announced it tested long-range cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capabilities amid ongoing tensions and upcoming political events, including its first Workers’ Party congress in five years, with potential implications for future US-North Korea relations.
North Korea announced it tested long-range cruise missiles into the sea to bolster its nuclear deterrence, amid ongoing military developments and preparations for a key party congress, with tensions heightened by recent weapons tests and regional security concerns.
North Korea conducted long-range cruise missile tests to demonstrate its nuclear deterrence capabilities amid preparations for a major party congress, with recent advancements including a nuclear-powered submarine, as tensions with the U.S. and South Korea persist.