The potential use of tactical nuclear weapons in warfare is an ongoing concern, necessitating nuclear response training for military and civilian personnel across the globe.
Although threatened use of tactical nuclear weapons has generally decreased since the Cold War, potential emergency situations can still arise in the case of military escalation, State Sponsored use or even accidental or unauthorised deployment.
In this article, we will take a more detailed look at tactical nuclear weapons, including recent global developments and best practices for nuclear weapon response training.
What are Tactical Nuclear Weapons?
Nuclear weapons are generally categorised into fission weapons (also known as atomic bombs) and thermonuclear weapons (hydrogen or thermonuclear bombs), however, they can also be categorised depending on their intended use.
Strategic nuclear weapons, for example, are designed for long-range, frequently intercontinental attacks on the target’s critical infrastructure. This includes capital cities and major urban centres.
Non-strategic nuclear weapons, otherwise known as tactical nuclear weapons, are designed for limited strikes, or use on the battlefield. They tend to have a lower yield than strategic nuclear weapons, from a fraction of a kiloton to around fifty kilotons.
They are delivered by various means, such as artillery shells, bombs carried by aircraft, and short-range missiles.
During the Cold War, for example, both the United States and the Soviet Union designed nuclear land mines, the B61 nuclear bomb for deployment from fighter jets and bombers, and portable nuclear devices that could allegedly be carried in a suitcase (the existence of these is still debated).
While no tactical nuclear weapons have ever been used in combat, escalating global tensions may necessitate increased preparedness for such events.
Related: Introduction to Nuclear Training
Recent events involving potential use of Tactical Nuclear Weapons
Global developments in recent years have increased concerns about the potential use of tactical nuclear weapons, especially among major world powers.
Russia, for example, has been indicating its intended use of these weapons. This became especially apparent after Russia suspended its participation in the New START treaty, which limited the number of deployed strategic nuclear weapons. Additionally, in 2023, Russia announced that it had stationed its first batch of short range-ballistic missiles in Belarus.
In North Korea, officials have warned that the country is in the final stages of developing its own tactical nuclear weapons.
Although Israel does not publicly acknowledge its nuclear arsenal, it is believed that the country is testing a missile propulsion system that could be related to its Jericho family of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles.
These developments have led to an increased nuclear rhetoric and growing concern about the potential for the use of tactical nuclear weapons in the future. Continued efforts to reduce risks and prevent use is paramount, as is safety training and preparedness in the event of an attack or detonation.
How to train for Tactical Nuclear Weapons response
With response training for nuclear events becoming increasingly critical for both military and civilian organisations, many instructors are looking to ensure their students sufficiently understand how to respond to radiological events effectively.
Successful training for tactical nuclear weapons response relies on:
- The authenticity of the teaching scenarios
- Hands-on learning opportunities using true-to-life instruments
- A safe training environment
- The ability to set up and reset exercises with ease
- Realistic representation of potentially hazardous detector readings to ensure effective reporting and decision making.
This is where simulation training can become a meaningful solution, as it allows important nuclear response exercises to be performed anywhere, at any time, without the need to navigate through multiple and highly restrictive safety regulations.
One of the most powerful foundational tools for wide-area nuclear response training is the PlumeSIM Wide-Area CBRNe system. This wide area training system creates realistic hazard plumes and hotspots, allowing instructors to manage a variety of threat scenarios in real time.
The PlumeSIM pairs with tools such as the RDS Simulator, which is an exact replication of the real Ludlum Measurements Inc. RDS series detection suite, to simulate response to alpha, beta, gamma, neutron and X-ray sources for authentic radiological hazard training.
Another powerful tool that pairs well with the PlumeSIM is the ADM300A V1B-SIM Radiation Training Simulator, which accurately simulates dose, dose rate, accumulated dose, and alarm thresholds using safe beta and gamma simulation sources.
For organisations planning to work with Mirion/Canberra RDS-100, AN/PDR-77, and CDV 718 probes, our RDS-100 Radiation Safety Training Simulation Probes offer realistic and cutting-edge simulation of alpha, beta, and gamma radiation without the need for real radioactive sources. These also pair with the PlumeSIM for training in search, reconnaissance, location and decontamination skills.
These instruments can be accompanied by simulation personal electronic dosimeters such as the UDR 13, 14 or 15.
As many countries continue to develop tactical nuclear weapons, both civilian and military preparedness becomes increasingly important. Utilising cutting-edge simulator technology can help streamline training and provide real-world experience and preparedness for any potential radiological situation.
To learn more about training for tactical nuclear weapons events, download our free ebook: Gamma Radiation Training Using Simulators.
You’ll learn about:
- Common environments where ionising radiation can be encountered
- The importance of radiological surveys for maintaining safety
- More details about the instrumentation used for these safety-critical activities
Argon Electronics is always available to discuss how simulators can enhance your organisation's nuclear preparedness training. Get in touch today to learn how your response teams can ensure their operational readiness.
