New weapons worries
The week's news at a glance.
Washington, D.C.
The Pentagon wants to put non-nuclear warheads on submarine-launched missiles, but some military strategists worry that the move could actually increase the threat of nuclear war. The Defense Department has asked Congress for money to develop non-nuclear tips for the submarine-launched Trident II missile, which now carries only a nuclear payload. Because it can be fired more quickly than a nuke, the new weapon could be used when the U.S. needs to move rapidly to neutralize a threat—to take out a terrorist missile armed with nerve gas, for example. But critics worry that China or Russia might detect the firing of a Trident II and not realize it is armed with a conventional warhead. Wrongly assuming the U.S. had launched a pre-emptive nuclear attack, they could retaliate with a nuclear strike. But the U.S. Strategic Command said the system would greatly enhance the Pentagon’s ability to “pre-empt conventionally” while reducing the risk of “collateral damage.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotels
The Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
Scientists want to regrow human limbs. Salamanders could lead the way.
Under the radar Humans may already have the genetic mechanism necessary
-
Seven wild discoveries about animals in 2025
In depth Mice have Good Samaritan tendencies and gulls work in gangs