This week the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) released the results of a year-long task force study on Naval Nuclear Propulsion. This task force included experts from the national security, nuclear engineering, nonproliferation and nuclear security fields, including BASIC’s Executive Director Paul Ingram.
Emerging Technologies
The UK and Armed Drones
While the majority of drones are still used for surveillance activities and their use widespread for reconnaissance and civilian purposes around the world, there has in recent years been the emergence of attack drones by three countries – the United States, Israel and the UK.
Evidence Submitted by Tim Hare
December 2012
Tim Hare submitted evidence to the Trident Commission, entitled 'The US nuclear guarantee, and possible future threats', answering the following scenarios and questions:
1. Possible future credible threats (capability and intention) to UK and allies that would not sufficiently involve the US, and would not be deterrable by other means
2. Probability that a US nuclear guarantee can be relied upon into the foreseeable future
Iran Update 163
- IAEA reports that Iran has added more centrifuges at underground enrichment facility, but additional centrifuges not operating
- Iran and IAEA to resume talks on December 13th
- Iran says willing to attend conference for Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction
- Close calls regarding Israeli attacks on Iran come to light
- Britain may not cooperate in any military attack by the United States and Israel
- EU reinforcing sanctions against Iran
- Iran fires upon U.S. drone
- Iran’s nuclear power plant likely experiencing more problems
Strategic Dialogue on Nuclear Posture
The British American Security Information Council held its second strategic dialogue breakfast at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC on September 18, 2012.
Country Report: Russia
While the Russia and the United States have signed and ratified the New START Treaty and have started making strategic cuts to their nuclear arsenals, there is still much work to be done getting to zero by breaking free of Cold War theories of nuclear security and deterrence. BASIC monitors Russia's nuclear policies and shifts in politics on ballistic missile defence, tactical nuclear weapons, and deterrence policy in its Getting to Zero updates. Read the summaries below in reverse chronological order.