DefenceTalkMoscow has decided to end its nuclear cooperation program with the US, saying that it no longer needs assistance in safeguarding nuclear sites located in Russia, the Boston Globe reported, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation. The decision was made late last year, the newspaper says, citing a three-page agreement signed at the meeting […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-us-end-nuclear-cooperation-program-62075/

DefenceTalkNorth Korea is showing no signs of preparing for a new nuclear test, a US think tank said Friday, citing recent satellite imagery. However one or more tunnels at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site are complete and ready for another test should Pyongyang decide to carry one out, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins University […]https://www.defencetalk.com/no-sign-of-north-korea-nuclear-test-preparations-us-think-tank-62015/

DefenceTalkRecent satellite images offer fresh evidence of North Korea developing a marine-based missile system that would give the nuclear-armed state a survivable second-strike nuclear capability, a US think-tank said Friday. The commercial satellite pictures suggest the conning tower of a new North Korean submarine — first seen in July last year — houses one or […]https://www.defencetalk.com/north-korea-developing-submarine-based-missiles-us-think-tank-61837/

DefenceTalkPakistan and India on Thursday exchanged lists of their nuclear sites under an agreement barring them from attacking each others atomic facilities in the event of war, officials said. The annual New Year’s Day exchange was established under a 1988 agreement. The neighbors, who have fought three wars, have also set up a telephone hotline […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pakistan-india-swap-lists-of-nuclear-facilities-prisoners-61236/

DefenceTalkFrance warned North Korea on Monday that it would likely face more UN sanctions if it follows through on threats to carry out a nuclear test. North Korea has reacted angrily to a UN resolution condemning its human rights record and calling on the Security Council to refer Pyongyang to the International Criminal Court for […]https://www.defencetalk.com/france-at-the-un-warns-north-korea-over-nuclear-threat-61071/

DefenceTalkTime runs out Monday for the biggest chance in years to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff, as Tehran and world powers make a final push for a deal but with a risky extension looking likely. The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany (the P5+1) have been locked in talks with Iran […]https://www.defencetalk.com/last-chance-saloon-for-iran-nuclear-talks-61049/

DefenceTalkPakistan has the fastest growing nuclear weapons program in the world and by 2020 it could have enough fissile material to produce more than 200 nuclear devices, a top American think tank has said. “Though many states are downsizing their stockpiles, Asia is witnessing a buildup. Pakistan has the fastest-growing nuclear program in the world. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/pakistan-to-have-200-nuclear-weapons-by-2020-us-think-tank-61061/

DefenceTalkDespite Israeli threats of a strike on Iran if world powers fail to halt its nuclear drive at talks entering an endgame in Vienna, experts see the sabre-rattling as largely diplomatic brinkmanship. With Monday’s deadline for a lasting agreement fast approaching, Israel has been keeping up pressure on the five permanent members of the UN […]https://www.defencetalk.com/israeli-strike-threat-diplomatic-card-against-iran-experts-61051/

DefenceTalkA deal on Iran’s nuclear program this week would be a historic step towards ending the country’s international isolation, but analysts remain divided on whether it would help stabilize the Middle East or even prevent a regional arms race. Having spent years pushing for an agreement — whereby economic sanctions on Iran are relaxed in […]https://www.defencetalk.com/deal-with-iran-could-end-isolation-but-would-it-stop-an-arms-race-61030/

DefenceTalkThe need for modernization of the U.S. nuclear forces was made clear by speakers at a strategic nuclear enterprise symposium here, Sept. 18. “We’re here to share thoughts about the current state of, and the way forward for the nuclear strategic deterrent enterprise.” said Mark Jantzer, the Task Force 21 chairman. Much of the discussion […]https://www.defencetalk.com/modernization-of-us-nuclear-forces-not-optional-60619/