Pentagon prepares new strategy focusing on tactical nuclear weapons

The US Department of War (Pentagon) is preparing a new nuclear strategy that places special emphasis on the potential deployment of tactical and shorter-range nuclear weapons.

According to a report by NBC citing five informed sources familiar with the matter, the emerging strategy challenges a nuclear approach that has been regarded as unshakeable for decades.

The report asserted that the proposals presented by the department would not exclude any course of action for the US President. Instead, they aim to “expand decision space and thereby strengthen deterrence” by offering him realistic and credible options.

A Pentagon source said in a statement: “We believe we need credible options regarding the use of nuclear weapons.”

Work on the new strategy is being led by Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. The process is reportedly being conducted as part of the routine reviews typically carried out under each new presidential administration.

Colby, who has long advocated for an increased role for tactical weapons, contends that US adversaries believe Washington might actually use long-range nuclear weapons to destroy enemy nuclear forces, as envisaged in the current strategy.

The strategy proposed by Colby has raised concerns among some US lawmakers. Critics argue that this approach could make the use of nuclear weapons appear less threatening or lead to a decline in military readiness levels under specific scenarios.

Furthermore, some circles assess that the operational readiness of the US Armed Forces could be adversely affected as the focus of military training shifts toward the new strategy, which involves the use of shorter-range weapons.

Those expressing this view claim that in a potential catastrophic scenario, the US military would be less prepared for the process due to a lack of sufficient expertise in the use of nuclear weapons.

A US Congressional source, in an assessment provided to NBC, said: “It is hard to imagine another study that so directly contradicts the position stated by President Donald Trump that we need to make our nuclear deterrence system great again. He clearly wants to have more capabilities, not fewer. This study is a complete fiasco.”

Sources speaking to the network reported that Colby will present the work he is leading during an off-the-record military event in Nebraska, scheduled to take place during a visit to US Strategic Command, which oversees US nuclear forces.

The nuclear strategy of the US was last updated in 2024.

According to research from February 2026 by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), the US Department of War holds a stockpile of approximately 3,700 nuclear warheads designed for delivery by ballistic missiles and strategic bombers.

Jointly, Russia and the US control approximately 90% of the world’s total nuclear weapons stockpile. Russia’s nuclear arsenal is estimated to consist of more than 4,300 warheads.