How many nuclear weapons has the U.S lost?

The Unsettling Truth About Lost Nuclear Weapons: An Examination of the United States’ Nuclear Stockpile

The United States is estimated to have lost hundreds, if not thousands, of nuclear weapons since the 1950s. The precise number is unknown, and the information is shrouded in secrecy. Despite being a well-documented military power, the US has consistently refused to release details about its lost nuclear arsenal. This article aims to shed light on the unknown, exploring the number of nuclear weapons the US has lost, the reasons behind their loss, and the implications of such a staggering amount of weapons going missing.

What is the Total Number of Lost Nuclear Weapons?

The exact number of lost nuclear weapons is impossible to determine due to the secretive nature of the information. However, estimates suggest that hundreds of nuclear weapons have gone missing over the years.

• The U.S. Government’s Admission: In 2002, the US Department of Energy’s Office of Classification Debris reported that 644 nuclear weapons were missing from the military’s inventory as of 1994. This number only accounts for weapons that were recorded as missing and does not include those that may have gone unreported.
• Independent Estimates: The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that the US may have lost up to 9,000 nuclear weapons during the Cold War era alone. This number is likely an underestimation, as it only accounts for weapons that were manufactured, deployed, and eventually became lost.

How and Why Have Nuclear Weapons Been Lost?

Nuclear weapons have been lost through a variety of means, often due to human error or negligence.

• Broken Arming Fuses: In the 1960s, the US experienced a series of broken arming fuses on Minuteman I missiles. These fuses were supposed to prevent the weapons from being accidentally launched. Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuses would sporadically malfunction, allowing the missiles to be armed and potentially launched without authorization.
• Careless Handling: In 1980, a military officer carelessly dropped a nuclear bomb while performing maintenance on a B-52 bomber. The bomb went missing and was later discovered in a field.
• Transportation Accidents: In 1967, a B-47 bomber carrying a nuclear warhead crashed in rural Nebraska. The warhead did not detonate, but it did contaminate the surrounding area.
• Secrecy and Lack of Accountability: Throughout the Cold War, there was a culture of secrecy surrounding nuclear weapons. Many incidents were covered up, and those responsible for lost weapons were often not held accountable.

Implications of Lost Nuclear Weapons

The loss of nuclear weapons has significant implications for international security and the US’ reputation as a responsible nuclear power.

• Reduced Deterrence: The loss of nuclear weapons reduces the credibility of a country’s nuclear deterrent, making it less effective as a means of deterring aggression.
• Unintended Consequences: The proliferation of nuclear weapons can lead to unintended consequences, such as increased the risk of nuclear accidents or unauthorized use.
• International Trust: The secretive nature of the US government’s handling of lost nuclear weapons erodes international trust, making it more difficult for the US to build effective alliances and negotiate treaties.
• Domestic Public Trust: The loss of nuclear weapons also raises questions about the government’s accountability and transparency, potentially impacting public trust in government and the military.

Summary and Conclusion

The exact number of lost nuclear weapons is unknown, but it is clear that the United States has lost hundreds, if not thousands, of nuclear weapons since the 1950s. These losses have occurred due to a combination of human error, negligence, and a culture of secrecy. The implications of lost nuclear weapons are significant, affecting both international security and domestic trust. As the US seeks to maintain its nuclear stockpile and reduce the risks associated with nuclear weapons, it is essential to come clean about the number and details of lost weapons.

Table: Estimated Number of Lost Nuclear Weapons

Note: The exact number of lost nuclear weapons is difficult to determine due to secrecy and lack of transparency.

Appendix: Famous Lost Nuclear Weapons Incidents

• 1959: A B-52 bomber carrying two nuclear weapons broke apart in mid-air over North Carolina.
• 1965: A B-52 bomber carrying four nuclear weapons was involved in a mid-air collision over Spain. Three of the warheads went missing.
• 1968: A C-130 transport plane carrying a nuclear bomb crashed in Greenland. The bomb went missing, and its exact location remains unknown.