The United States has launched a submarine with a new long-range missile with a relatively small nuclear warhead. The use of the W76-2 warhead is a response to Russian tests on similar weapons, said Secretary of State for Defense at the U.S. Department of Defense, John Rood, yesterday. It is „a fast, less lethal strategic weapon with low explosive power“ that „reinforces deterrence“.
The use of low warhead nuclear warheads has raised concerns worldwide. According to experts, the enormous explosive power of nuclear weapons alone has had a deterrent effect in recent decades. Critics fear that lower-explosive weapons will lead nuclear powers to give up their reluctance and the risk of nuclear war is increasing.
„Potential opponents like Russia“ should not think that using warheads with relatively low explosive power would give them an advantage, said Rood. The United States is able to „react credibly and decisively to any threat scenario“.
