A Pentagon spokesman said the upgrade plan was \u0027in no way linked to (events) in Ukraine and was not sped up in any way\u0027
The new thermonuclear bombs are “dial-a-yield” devices, meaning their payload can be changed, and are expected to be sent to NATO bases within weeks.Sign up to receive daily headline news from Ottawa Citizen, a division of Postmedia Network Inc.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc.
In addition to making them more accurate, the modifications have reduced the yield from the bombs they are replacing. The development came as Vladimir Putin dismissed accusations that Russia could use a tactical nuclear weapon as a “fuss,” and blamed the U.K. for initiating provocations. He added: “We are facing a historic milestone. Ahead of us is possibly the most dangerous, unpredictable and at the same time crucial decade since the end of the Second World War.” As Putin spoke, the U.S. released its National Defence Strategy, the first in four years, and its Nuclear Posture Review.