US nuclear deterrence under strain, says Christopher McCallion

Interested in learning more about the basics of deterrence or why it matters to "restrainers" so much? Check out this new paper from my colleague Christopher McCallion, the latest in his six-part series on key grand strategy concepts that underpin a grand strategy of restraint!

#HotTakes | In this publication, Antonin Blanchard examines the European nuclear deterrence project. He analyzes Franco-British capabilities and the long-term viability of the project. Led by France and the United Kingdom, this initiative aims to offer a credible alternative to American defense in Europe. 🚀☢️ 🔗 To read this publication: https://lnkd.in/e94diVbr

At this week's Atlantic Council Energy and Defense Summit, I discussed how military operations are more energy-intensive than ever and threats to energy supply are becoming more complex. Nuclear microreactors will quickly become a decisive factor in military readiness.   BWXT is leading the build and deployment of Project PELE, the first advanced transportable microreactor system in the United States. BWXT will deliver this system to the Idaho National Lab in 2027, load the fuel, and perform full-scale testing in 2028 – a pathfinder for the future of all advanced nuclear systems. This is so much more than your average reactor demonstration; this is an entire system demonstration at the forefront of successful power generation, with the ability to assert the United States' energy dominance!

Honoring a legacy of nuclear innovation. ⚓⚡ The NS Savannah — the world’s first nuclear-powered merchant ship — remains a powerful symbol of bold thinking and American ingenuity. In a new article, Anthony (Tony) Robinson, President and CEO of Framatome Inc., and Rex Geveden, President and CEO of BWXT, reflect on the vessel’s history and how it continues to serve as a beacon for nuclear advancement in the United States. We are proud to help drive that progress through advanced technologies, modernized systems and strong American partnerships that support a clean and reliable energy future. Read the full perspective 🔗 https://lnkd.in/esiS5xdu

The U.S. Army’s Janus Program marks a strategic shift toward decentralized, transportable energy through small nuclear microreactors. By combining defense innovation with energy resilience, the initiative underscores how national security and energy policy are increasingly intertwined. For investors, this signals growing opportunities in advanced nuclear systems, modular logistics, and domestic energy manufacturing—all critical to the evolving defense and infrastructure landscape. Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/eQdgmAXQ #DefenseIndustry #EnergySecurity #NuclearEnergy #SMR #Infrastructure #InstitutionalInvesting #CleanEnergy #Geopolitics #Innovation

In light of recent nuclear testing developments involving the United States and Russia, #SIPRIYearbook2025 provides critical context on the growing risks in the global nuclear landscape. It warns that a dangerous new nuclear arms race is emerging at a time when arms control regimes are severely weakened. Nearly all nine nuclear-armed states — 🇺🇸🇷🇺🇬🇧🇫🇷🇨🇳🇮🇳🇵🇰🇰🇵🇮🇱 — continued intensive nuclear modernization programmes in 2024, holding an estimated 12 241 warheads at the start of 2025. Learn more in the sample chapter on world nuclear forces: 🔗 bit.ly/4e0GhLf #SIPRIYearbook #NuclearWeapons #ArmsControl #NuclearRisk #Disarmament #NonProliferation #SIPRI

Caitlin Talmadge, faculty affiliate at MIT SSP (Security Studies Program)'s Center for Nuclear Security Policy, discusses her path into security studies at MIT, and her research on militaries’ on-the-ground capabilities, battlefield effectiveness in authoritarian regimes, and why states adopt military postures that threaten adversaries. Read her profile in MIT News here: https://lnkd.in/eFZgZTh9 MIT Political Science MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences

Army installations will have operating nuclear microreactors starting in the fall of 2028. The addition of nuclear power will diversify the energy sources available on military bases and provide a critical enhancement to their resiliency. ☢️ https://lnkd.in/e_K_-Yp3

The US Army has unveiled its Janus Program - a next-generation nuclear initiative aimed at delivering resilient, secure energy to defence installations - with the first microreactors targeted for operation by 2028.

#DCTalk The National Institute for Public Policy (NIPP) recently published "A New Strategic Review for a New Age", which concludes that the U.S. has a legal right and strategic imperative to terminate the New START Treaty, which expires in February 2026. The study also recommends ways the U.S. can adapt its nuclear forces to increase the credibility of its deterrent and maintain peace. Full read: https://lnkd.in/eV465_8k Lately I attended a discussion between Dr. Rebeccah L. Heinrichs (Senior fellow at Hudson Institute) and Dr. Keith Payne. They discussed report’s analysis and recommendations. Also fascinating, detailed convo about U.S. 'nuclear extended deterrence': https://lnkd.in/epB8A3sv