Pentagon Confirms Low-yield SLBM Deployment


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On February 4, the U.S. Department of Defense said it had deployed the W76-2 low-yield nuclear warhead on a Trident submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The statement confirms an earlier report that the USS Tennessee (SSBN-734) had deployed with the warhead in late 2019. According to the Pentagon, the W76-2 “strengthens deterrence and provides the United States a prompt, more survivable low-yield strategic weapon” in accordance with the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review.