Navy Set to Deploy New Low-Yield Warhead, Enhance Deterrence

In the next few months, the US Navy will likely begin deployment of a new low-yield nuclear warhead on some of its Trident II D5 Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles.This is in accordance with the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review.The National Nuclear Security Administration has just released a mission logo for the program.It started producing the new W76-2 variant warheads in January 2019.The warhead was designed by the Los Alamos National Laboratory,New Mexico.*
The W76-2 may be detonated either by contact or airburst.The NNSA plans to complete the production run and deliver the warheads to the Navy by late 2019.The Trump Administration perceived a need for additional tailored and flexible capabilities to address the danger of coercive nuclear use by Russia and North Korea.The Nuclear Posture Review said the low-yield warhead would enhance deterrence by denying potential adversaries any mistaken confidence that limited nuclear employment can provide a useful advantage over the United States and its allies.*
The W76-2 will not add to the number of deployed SLBM warheads; but replace some of the high-yield warheads already deployed.Russia has wargamed low-yield nuclear weapon use in a regional conflict.So the W76-2 could bolster deterrence by convincing Russia the US could respond with its own proportional, limited attack.*
Putting low-yield weapons on submarines offers improved survivability and penetration because aircraft delivery is vulnerable to an adversary's​ air defences.*
Russian military doctrine envisions the use of low-yield nuclear weapons in a scenario where Russia is losing a conventional war.*
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Washington) says it is very unlikely Congress will block the program.