Modernisation

U.S. defense decisions amid fiscal constraints

The U.S. Senate passed its long-awaited defense bill on December 4th, authorizing a billion budget for defense spending in FY 2013. During the coming week, the “conference committee” will be tasked with reconciling this bill with the House version. This process is taking place against the backdrop of intense debates over the looming “fiscal cliff”: the across-the-board cuts which threaten to come into effect if a deal on public spending is not agreed by January 1.

Modernizing NATO’s Nuclear Forces

NATO’s nuclear posture is scheduled to undergo a significant modernization over the next decade that involves upgrading both the nuclear weapons and delivery vehicles. The modernization will significantly increase the military capabilities of NATO’s nuclear posture in Europe. The modernization plan contradicts key elements of the Deterrence and Defense Posture Review (DDPR).

Evidence submitted by the Nuclear Information Service – Aug 2012

August 2012

The Nuclear Information Service (NIS) submitted a redacted copy of the Defence Nuclear Executive Board's risk register for the defence nuclear programme, provided by the Ministry of Defence and an unredacted verision of the risk register by NIS detailing views as to the key risks which the Trident replacement programme will face over the years and decades ahead.