DefenceTalkOverview Since the end of the Cold War, a new nuclear order has emerged, shaped by rising nuclear states and military technologies that threaten stability, writes George Mason University’s Gregory Koblentz in a new Council Special Report. During the Cold War, the potential for nuclear weapons to be used was determined largely by the United […]https://www.defencetalk.com/strategic-stability-in-the-second-nuclear-age-61063/

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/

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/

DefenceTalkSecretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced today a comprehensive action plan to reform to the nuclear enterprise and called for additional critical investments in sustainment as well as measures to address longstanding cultural issues that have hurt the morale of the nuclear force. In February of this year, following a series of events involving the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/secretary-of-defense-hagel-announces-nuclear-force-reforms-61004/

DefenceTalkThe head of Iran’s atomic energy agency will travel to Russia Tuesday to sign a construction deal for two nuclear power plants on Iran’s southern Gulf shores, media reported. Ali Akbar Salehi’s visit will cap months of negotiations between Iran and Russia, and comes as the Islamic republic faces a November 24 deadline for a […]https://www.defencetalk.com/iran-russia-to-sign-nuclear-plants-deal-tuesday-media-60978/

DefenceTalkIndia has voted against the provisions of draft resolutions calling for signing of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), ruling out the possibility of joining the treaty as a non-nuclear weapon state, local media reported on Saturday. A U.N. Assembly committee Friday adopted a resolution in New York calling on all countries which have not signed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-votes-against-u-n-draft-resolution-on-nuke-pact-60958/

DefenceTalkPolish anti-communist icon Lech Walesa said Poland should procure nuclear weapons as a safeguard against Russia, which it blames for stoking the crisis in neighboring Ukraine. “Poland needs to stand up to Russia,” the Nobel Peace laureate, who spearheaded Poland’s democracy movement and became its first post-communist president, said in an interview published Wednesday. EU […]https://www.defencetalk.com/poland-needs-nuclear-arms-to-ward-off-russia-walesa-60642/

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/

DefenceTalkRussia will respond to the United States’ “prompt global strike” programme designed to take out targets within an hour by upgrading its nuclear and space defence forces, its deputy prime minister said Wednesday. “Our response to the prompt global strike strategy is upgrading our strategic nuclear forces and resources — the strategic rocket forces and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/russia-to-boost-nuclear-space-defence-forces-against-us-60554/

DefenceTalkBritain’s future as a nuclear-armed nation could be thrown into doubt if Scotland votes for independence on September 18, experts say, raising serious questions about its future status in the international community. The UK’s Trident nuclear submarines are currently based at Faslane naval base on a sea loch west of Glasgow surrounded by dramatic mountain […]https://www.defencetalk.com/scottish-independence-may-force-uk-nuclear-deterrent-rethink-60541/