Pentagon Develops New Nuclear Strategy Focused on Tactical Weapons

Pentagon Drafts New Nuclear Strategy for Russia, China

02:42 06-08-2026

NBC News says the Pentagon is drafting a nuclear strategy focused on tactical weapons, wider presidential options and potential wars with Russia or China.

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NBC News reports that the Pentagon is developing a new nuclear weapons strategy for a potential war with Russia or China.

According to the network, the draft would place greater emphasis on the possible use of short-range tactical nuclear weapons. The document is expected to revise principles that have shaped US nuclear deterrence policy for decades.

The proposed approach would give the US president a broader range of options rather than limit decision-making to a narrow set of scenarios. Pentagon officials believe this flexibility could make the threat of a nuclear response more credible.

NBC News said the review is being led by Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby. He has long supported a larger role for tactical nuclear weapons, arguing that Washington’s adversaries may doubt whether the United States would use long-range systems to destroy another country’s nuclear forces.

The initiative has already raised concerns among some lawmakers. They fear that expanding the number of available options could lower the psychological barrier to using nuclear weapons.