Fact Check: Did the U.S. Forget How to Make Nuclear Bombs

Fact Check: Did the U.S. Forget How to Make Nuclear Bombs?

What We Know

The claim that the U.S. has "forgotten" how to make nuclear bombs is not supported by the current state of U.S. nuclear capabilities and policies. The United States maintains a robust nuclear arsenal and continues to develop new nuclear weapons. According to the U.S. Nuclear Weapons Stockpile, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is responsible for ensuring the U.S. maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear stockpile. This includes ongoing modernization efforts and the production of new nuclear weapons, such as the B61-13 gravity bomb, which is being fast-tracked for production due to rising global threats (The Defense Post).

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has projected costs for U.S. nuclear forces from 2025 to 2034, indicating a commitment to maintaining and modernizing nuclear capabilities (CBO). Additionally, the U.S. has a nuclear triad consisting of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers, which collectively ensure a credible deterrent (America's Nuclear Triad).

Analysis

The assertion that the U.S. has forgotten how to produce nuclear weapons may stem from concerns about the aging nuclear infrastructure and the complexities involved in nuclear weapons production. However, this claim overlooks the substantial investments and ongoing projects aimed at modernizing the nuclear arsenal. For instance, the B61-13 bomb's production acceleration reflects a proactive approach to adapt to evolving security challenges (The Defense Post).

Moreover, the U.S. has not only retained the technical expertise necessary for nuclear weapons production but is also actively training new personnel in these critical areas. The NNSA's commitment to maintaining a reliable nuclear stockpile demonstrates that the U.S. has not lost the capability to produce nuclear weapons, but rather is adapting to new technological and geopolitical realities (U.S. Extended Deterrence and Regional Nuclear Capabilities).

While there are legitimate discussions about the future of nuclear weapons and the need for modernization, the claim that the U.S. has forgotten how to make nuclear bombs lacks credible evidence. The sources consulted indicate a clear trajectory of investment and development in nuclear capabilities.

Conclusion

Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that the U.S. has forgotten how to make nuclear bombs is misleading. While there are challenges related to aging infrastructure and modernization, the U.S. continues to actively maintain and develop its nuclear arsenal. The ongoing projects and investments in nuclear capabilities suggest that the U.S. has not lost the knowledge or ability to produce nuclear weapons. Further research into specific aspects of nuclear policy and production capabilities may provide a more nuanced understanding of this complex issue.

Sources

1. Projected Costs of U.S. Nuclear Forces, 2025 to 2034
2. U.S. Extended Deterrence and Regional Nuclear Capabilities
3. America's Nuclear Triad
4. The U.S. Nuclear Weapons Stockpile
5. Nuclear weapons of the United States
6. United States nuclear weapons, 2025 - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
7. US Fast-Tracks New Nuclear Bomb Production Amid Rising Global Threats