The
classified strategy, led by the Pentagon's policy chief, shifts focus from
large strategic strikes to lower-yield tactical nuclear weapons for regional
conflicts.
This comes after the New START treaty expired
in February 2026, amid China's arsenal growth and Russia's estimated 2,000
non-strategic warheads.
The U.S. already deploys about 100 tactical bombs in Europe, and observers worry this could lower barriers to nuclear use while aiming to give leaders more precise choices.