Blast from the past: The Pentagon’s updated war plan for tactical nukes
The very sound case for the advancement of tactical nukes in an age of electronic warfare and improving EMP and space-based offensive technologies
The first sign of a 21st Century nuclear war might be command post sensors lighting up and aircraft radios buzzing as pilots notice a strange-looking cloud forming. Heat rises as ground troops a few dozen miles away feel the winds shift.
Satellite communications are out. So are some ground links.
U.S. and allied command posts can’t reach brigades in the field.
Forward deployed troops would see the intelligence finally come streaming in, followed by orders from the Combatant Command — strike back, use our tactical nukes if you must. And by the way, some unlucky troops will need to roll into that area to assess the damage, counterattack and aid any survivors.
