There should be no nuclear explosions during the announced nuclear weapons tests in the USA. Instead, new weapon systems should be tested.
November 3, 2025, 4:10 amNovember 3, 2025, 4:10 am
«The tests we are talking about are system tests. These are not nuclear explosions,” said Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Fox News. New weapon systems will be tested. All other parts of a nuclear weapon are tested.
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.Image: keystone
A few days ago, US President Donald Trump caused a stir by announcing an immediate resumption of nuclear weapons tests. However, he did not specify exactly what should be tested. This also left it unclear whether there would also be underground explosions. Trump justified the move by saying that other countries were also carrying out tests.
Lots of old weapons
Energy Secretary Wright said modernizing the nuclear arsenal is a critical priority:
“Many of our weapons are very old.”
You have to keep your weapons arsenal modern and up to date in order to be a world leader. “This is the only way to guarantee peace abroad and prosperity at home,” said Wright.
The Department of Energy is responsible for many aspects of the US nuclear arsenal, including through its subordinate nuclear safety agency NNSA.
There have been no nuclear weapons tests by the major powers for decades
The USA last tested a nuclear weapon in 1992. Together with Russia and China, they have so far adhered to a decades-long moratorium on underground nuclear explosions.
However, the United States has an extensive program to ensure the reliability of its nuclear arsenal. These include computer simulations, non-chain reaction tests of nuclear materials, and tests of missiles and warhead technologies. According to some experts, such measures make nuclear tests unnecessary. (sda/dpa)