Science & Tech

Your Pocket Guide to How U.S. Missile Defense Works

Here's everything you need to know about the missile systems the U.S. maintains for its first- and counter-strike capabilities. By Jonathan Masters

Business

Haney Defends Air Force Nuclear Personnel As Promised Reforms Lag

Adm. Cecil Haney won't say when the reforms from Defense Secretary Hagel's internal review of the Air Force's nuclear corps will begin. It was completed in the spring. By Elaine Grossman

Threats

Obama Dials Back Nuclear Disposal to Focus on Upgraded Stockpiles

The move reflects the administration's view that enough progress was made on Obama's 4-year nonproliferation push. By Global Security Newswire

Business

Air Force Secretary Doubles Down on Nuclear Mission

Air Force leaders want the world to know their June decision save the embattled nuclear corps from forced cutbacks was an absolute necessity. By Rachel Oswald

Business

Mid-Level Management Is the Air Force's Latest Fix for Its Nuclear Problems

Still recovering from the recent scandals at its Global Strike Command, the Air Force is changing how it manages America's Minuteman 3 nukes. By Rachel Oswald

Threats

The Air Force Is Losing Patience With Its Aging Bomber Fleet

A top U.S. Air Force official is pushing to modernize America's nuclear bombers--some of which have been in the air for more than 50 years. By Global Security Newswire

Policy

House Bill Shifts Some Nuclear Weapons Funds To Pay for Veterans Care

Refurbishing old nukes can wait. Improving veterans’ healthcare and financial options can't, House lawmakers say. By Douglas P. Guarino

Threats

Iran Is Eliminating More Than Half of Its Weapons-Capable Uranium

Hoping to ease its neighbors' concerns, Tehran is sticking to an agreement made in November to prove its refinement process will not lead to a nuke in Iran's hands. By Diane Barnes

Ideas

Leave Ballistic Missiles Out of the Iran Nuclear Talks

It made sense to go after Iran’s missiles a few years ago. Not anymore. By Greg Thielmann

Threats

U.S. Conducts Nuclear Response Exercises

More than a dozen U.S. aircraft are taking part in a nuclear response exercise, less than a week after Russia carried out a similar exercise on its own soil. By Global Security Newswire

Policy

Funding to Replace Nuclear Subs Up in the Air

Replacing the Ohio-class ballistic-missile sub won't happen this year, though that doesn't mean Congress is out of options yet. By Elaine M. Grossman

Business

After Cheating Scandal, Air Force Switches to Pass-Fail for Nuclear Missileers

Air Force officials say an expectation that perfect test scores were needed for advancement up the ranks fueled the recent cheating scandal. By Rachel Oswald

Threats

North Korean Nuclear Launch 'Unlikely' During Obama's Trip to Asia

Recent imagery of one of Pyongyang's testing grounds isn't enough to convince analysts North Korea will pull the trigger this time. By Global Security Newswire

Ideas

Don't Look Now, But the Iran Deal Is Working

Don’t look now – but Iran is complying, erasing Bibi’s cartoon bomb, and making even Gen. David Petraeus a believer. By Joe Cirincione

Threats

U.S. May 'Adjust' Its Missile Defenses in Europe

Amid rising tensions with Russia, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said the U.S. may speed up the timing for fielding antimissile systems in Europe. By Rachel Oswald

Science & Tech

New Algorithm May Help Detect Nuclear Smuggling at Airports

Tweaking the code might be all it takes. By Diane Barnes

Business

Land-Based Nukes Escape Drastic Cuts Under New START Treaty

But the new START arms control treaty does get a boost from the Pentagon's decision to eliminate 50 weapons from its deployed ICBM fleet. By Diane Barnes

Ideas

A Formula for Success with Iran

As P5+1 talks resume Tuesday in Vienna, U.S. officials and experts are already expecting a nuclear deal by this summer. Here’s how. By Joseph Cirincione

Policy

Lawmakers Want to Speed Up the Delivery of Missile Interceptors to Europe

In light of tensions with Russia over Ukraine, several U.S. lawmakers want to speed up the deployment of missile interceptors to Europe. By Rachel Oswald

Threats

After Crimea, U.S. Nuclear Agency Reviews Russia Aid

The National Nuclear Security Administration is reassessing its assistance to Russia amid continuing tension over Ukraine. By Rachel Oswald