US Nuclear Posture Review 2002
On January 9, 2002 US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld released some results of the otherwise classified Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) Report. The major findings of the report are listed in the following:
 The Force Concept changes from a "threat based approach" to a "capability based concept."
The "Cold War triad" (long-distance bombers, long-range missiles and sealaunched missiles) is now the center piece of the "new triad" that consists of "offensive strike systems (both nuclear and non-nuclear)", "defenses (both active and passive)" and a "revitalized" or "responsive defense infrastructure".
By 2007, the number of "operationally deployed" nuclear warheads will be reduced to 3,800. The goal is to have 1,700-2,200 by 2012, with additional "downloaded warheads preserved for the responsive force". Accordingly, warheads are separated from the intercontinental and sea-launched missiles but not destroyed. The number of warheads stated is "to remain until 2020 or longer."
To bolster the new triad, "non-nuclear strike capabilities", in particular "against hard and deeply buried targets", and "information operations" are to be improved. Four Trident submarines will be converted to carry cruise missiles. The B1 "will not retain capability to return to [a] nuclear role".
For missile defense, a "robust research, development, testing and evaluation program" will be conducted with the goal to "deploy limited and effective missile defenses". According to the DoD, this "means that the US will no longer be as heavily dependent on offensive strike forces to enforce deterrence as it was during the Cold War."
As an additional means, continued development will make "command, control, intelligence and adaptive planning" more effective.
Tactical nuclear weapons are not addressed in the NPR.
Official Slides with the main highlights of the NPR are available at www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2002/g02 0109-D-6570C.html. The transcript of the press briefing is available at www.defenselink.mil/news/Jan2002/t0109200_t0109npr.html. (R.H.)
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