Tactical Nuclear Weapons and NATO.pdf - Program on Strategic ...

that these weapons still have a role to play in assuring
allies through extended deterrence guarantees. In addition,
the 2001 <strong>Nuclear</strong> Posture Review (NPR) created
a “new Triad” that included all nuclear <strong>and</strong> non-nuclear
strike capabilities in one category, so that in essence
dual-capable aircraft (DCA)—fighter-bombers
that can deliver either conventional or NSNWs—<strong>and</strong>
B-61 tactical nuclear bombs have already been part of
the larger matrix of nuclear forces for more than 10
years. 1 This implies that in the future, the entire U.S.
nuclear arsenal will serve the needs of extended deterrence
in Europe through off-shore guarantees, as
it already does for America’s allies in East Asia. The
United States has global interests, <strong>and</strong> its military has
global responsibilities. <strong>Nuclear</strong> weapons—all U.S.
nuclear weapons—will continue to play a vital role as
the ultimate guarantor of the nation’s security for the
foreseeable future.
Multiple studies have come to the conclusion that
nuclear weapons are here to stay. Regardless of national
objectives calling for a nuclear-free world, such
weapons are likely to remain a part of the global security
environment, <strong>and</strong> will continue to play a central
role in U.S. security policy. Even if the United States
were to take the lead in nuclear disarmament, some
argue, it may nevertheless find itself one day facing an
adversary that has nuclear weapons <strong>and</strong> believes they
provide a measure of value to their national power. As
a counterbalance, the United States needs to maintain
a robust, safe, secure, <strong>and</strong> reliable nuclear force structure.
2
America’s attitude toward NSNWs historically has
been that they are valuable political tools for reassuring
allies, both in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization
(<strong>NATO</strong>) <strong>and</strong> in other regions. This reassurance
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