For the first time in over 30 years: Trump orders US nuclear testing to resume
Фото: Білий дім
US President Donald Trump announced the decision to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in 33 years.
He made the corresponding statement on the social network Truth Social.
“In light of other countries conducting their own testing programs, I have instructed the U.S. Department of Defense to begin a level playing field review of our nuclear arsenal. The process will begin immediately,” Trump wrote.
According to him, Russia ranks second in the field of nuclear programs, China ranks third, but “within five years it is able to catch up with the leaders.”
As Reuters notes, this will be the first resumption of testing since the moratorium announced in 1992.
However, experts emphasize that it is technically impossible to quickly resume underground nuclear testing.
Daryl Kimball, director of the American Arms Control Association, said that this could take at least 36 months, as the Nevada test site requires significant preparation.
“Trump is misinformed and out of touch with reality. There is no technical, military, or political reason for the United States to conduct nuclear tests for the first time since 1992,” Kimball stressed on the X network.
It is not yet clear whether these are full-fledged nuclear tests carried out by the National Nuclear Security Administration or testing of missile systems capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump confirmed that he believes the resumption of nuclear testing is appropriate, but at the same time assured that he is negotiating with Russia about denuclearization.
“We have more nuclear weapons than anyone else. We don’t test them, but since others are doing it, I think we should too,” he said.
The President did not specify the place and timing of the first tests, only adding:
“We have testing grounds. It will be announced.”
When asked about a possible escalation of nuclear tensions, Trump replied that the situation was “under control” and added that if the US took action, China could join the process.
As a reminder, Russian troops launched intercontinental ballistic and air-launched cruise missiles as part of strategic nuclear force training.
As reported, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin announced the tests of the nuclear submarine “Poseidon”, which took place the day before, on October 28.
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