US Plans for New Nuclear Weapons

Explore the evolving landscape of US nuclear weapons policy in this APS Physics conference talk. Delve into the historical context of warhead production, the impact of the 1992 nuclear testing moratorium, and the shift from refurbishment to replacement strategies. Examine the rationale behind the proposed new warhead for silo-based missiles and the role of advanced computer modeling in design validation. Analyze the potential downsides of deploying this new weapon, considering its implications for the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, reliability concerns, design capacity, political consequences, credibility gaps, and cybersecurity threats. Gain insights into the complex interplay between technological advancements, national security, and international relations in the realm of nuclear armament.