U.S. War Department drafts nuclear plan favoring tactical weapons against China and Russia

The Department of War is reportedly preparing a revised nuclear strategy that emphasizes the deployment of short-range tactical nuclear weapons in regional wars with China or Russia, rather than an immediate jump to full-scale strategic exchanges. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby is leading the effort and is set to present his concepts at U.S. Strategic Command headquarters in Nebraska. He contends that potential adversaries already understand the deterrent value of America’s nuclear triad and may assume the U.S. would be reluctant to respond with massive retaliation after a limited tactical strike.

By adding a credible limited-nuclear response, the plan aims to deter China or Russia from using battlefield nukes in scenarios such as a failed Taiwan invasion or a desperate Russian move in Ukraine. Critics argue that formalizing a tactical response could make nuclear use more thinkable and shift resources away from the strategic arsenal. The initiative aligns with broader calls from officials like Thomas DiNanno for a modernized nuclear architecture that addresses contemporary threats, including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran. The shift would expand the president’s options but also raises concerns about escalation management.