Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose: Why there’s no such thing as ‘tactical’ nuclear weapons
The commander of the U.S. military’s nuclear forces recently acknowledged that no one knows if using low-yield or tactical nuclear weapons will trigger a full-scale nuclear war.
Ever since the Cold War, commanders have considered whether it is possible to conduct a limited nuclear war. That’s why the United States developed “tactical nuclear weapons,” which were originally conceived to be used against specific troops and installations instead of completely destroying the other side.
In May 1953, the Army tested “Atomic Annie,” a cannon that could fire a shell with a 15-20 kiloton nuclear warhead up to 20 miles. It quickly became obsolete and was withdrawn from service in the 1960s.
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WNU Editor: I know on the Russian side they see a nuclear weapon as a nuclear weapon. Tactical or not.
