CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -In 2021, however, the government announced the UK would increase its stockpile ceiling to up to 260 warheads. To see all previous Nuclear Notebook columns, go to https://thebulletin.org/nuclear-risk/nuclear-weapons/nuclear-notebook/.

Detailed explanation-2: -The UK possesses 225 nuclear warheads, 120 of which may be deployed aboard four Vanguard-class nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs).

Detailed explanation-3: -The UK is recognized as one of the five nuclear weapon states under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. It currently possesses four ballistic missile submarines and has maintained a continuous deployment of nuclear weapons at sea since 1969. The UK abandoned its chemical and biological weapons programs in the 1950’s.

Detailed explanation-4: -The UK has been a nuclear weapon state since 1952. It is one of the five officially recognised nuclear states under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The UK adopts a posture of minimal credible nuclear deterrence, assigned to the defence of NATO. The UK does not have a policy of ‘no-first use’.

Detailed explanation-5: -UK nuclear weapons are moved by road, but movements of US nuclear weapons are conducted by air. The RAF maintains response teams at a number of bases along the flight route which are brought to immediate readiness during the transit of the aircraft through their area.