Pentagon's Plan for New Nuclear Bomber

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Pentagon's Plan for New Nuclear Bomber

IN THIS ISSUE: Pentagon details plan for new nuclear bomber, Angela Merkel flip-flops, Indian PM asks to upgrade nuclear safety, Syrian dispute demands U.N. review, IAEA cites inadequate response to Fukushima, Iran to share nuclear experience with Egypt.

Published on June 2, 2011

In This Issue

Pentagon Details Plan for New Nuclear Bomber
Global Security Newswire

Frau Flip-Flop
Foreign Policy

Indian PM Asks Agencies to Upgrade Safety of Nuclear Installations
Economic Times

Syrian Nuclear Dispute Demands U.N. Review: U.K.
Global Security Newswire

IAEA Cites Ambiguous Responsibility, Inadequate Response to Fukushima Crisis
Asahi Shimbun

Ahmadinejad: Iran Ready to Share Nuclear, Technological Experience with Egypt
FARS News Agency

Pentagon Details Plan for New Nuclear Bomber

Global Security Newswire

The U.S. Defense Department in a new acquisition document laid out preliminary plans to develop a fleet of next-generation nuclear bombers capable of carrying out long-range missions with or without onboard pilots.

A "new penetrating, nuclear-capable bomber program" would form the "centerpiece" of a broader suite of U.S. long-range strike aircraft intended to eliminate and discourage the development of barriers to military operations, the Pentagon said in a legally required aircraft procurement plan spanning the next three decades. Meanwhile, the nation's existing B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers would continue undergoing updates to ensure their readiness to carry out long-range missions until 2040, the document states.

The department envisions preparing a fleet of between 80 and 100 of the new bombers at a cost of $550 million for each aircraft. The proposed quantity, the report says, would allow for Air Force "capabilities required to operate in an anti-access, area denial environment and ensure a sustainable inventory over the long term." Full Article

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Frau Flip-Flop

Paul Hockenos | Foreign Policy

Germany's decision this week to turn its back on nuclear power by 2022 and embrace a future fueled by renewable energy may have been historic, but it was hardly the product of a political visionary. German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived at this achievement almost despite herself, and only by means of a conspicuous and careening political U-turn. Full Article

Indian PM Asks Agencies to Upgrade Safety of Nuclear Installations

Economic Times

Wary of a repeat of a Fukushima-like mishap in India, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday reviewed the country's disaster preparedness. The prime minister, who is also the chairman of National Disaster Management Authority, also directed government agencies to upgrade safety measures at all nuclear installations. Full Article

Syrian Nuclear Dispute Demands U.N. Review: U.K.

Global Security Newswire

The International Atomic Energy Agency's latest assessment of Syria's nuclear activities demonstrates that the Middle Eastern nation must be referred to the U.N. Security Council, the United Kingdom said on Wednesday. Full Article

IAEA Cites Ambiguous Responsibility, Inadequate Response to Fukushima Crisis

Asahi Shimbun

The International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that confusion over responsibility was a factor behind the inadequate response to the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Full Article

Ahmadinejad: Iran Ready to Share Nuclear, Technological Experience with Egypt

FARS News Agency

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad underlined on Wednesday that Tehran is prepared to transfer its experiences in different technological and scientific fields, including the civilian nuclear technology, to the Egyptian nation. Full Article

Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.

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