US Prepares Nuclear Capability on B-52 Aircraft After New START Ends

JAKARTA - The United States Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) is ready to restore nuclear capabilities on all US B-52 strategic bombers if ordered, following the expiration of the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START).

The statement was reported by The War Zone (TWZ) on Thursday (11/2), as the New START Treaty between Russia and the US expired on February 5.

US President Donald Trump previously said Washington should task its nuclear experts to draft a new, better and modern agreement that can apply in the long term.

Trump described New START as a deal poorly negotiated by the US. Currently, as many as 30 of the 76 strategic bombers are only capable of carrying conventional ammunition, which helps the US meet its obligations under New START.

Currently, the US Air Force is willing to convert the entire B-52 fleet as a dual-category long-range attack platform if ordered by the president, as well as carrying more warheads on the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which amounts to 400 units.

However, it is unclear how much time and money it will take to install the new warhead.

In addition, it is also unclear whether there are enough suitable warheads available, and how many can be installed on the Minuteman III.

TWZ also reported that the US government has not submitted a specific plan to increase its nuclear weapons or change its nuclear power structure.

"The end of New START allows us to refocus attention and dedicate more resources to our core mission: ensuring safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrence. This managed transition improves our operational readiness and our ability to respond to the call of the country," said an AFGSC spokesperson.

Meanwhile, in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia was ready to continue to comply with the New START restrictions for one year after February 5, 2026.

He explained that the steps to comply with the treaty restrictions would be effective if the United States did the same. However, the US did not issue an official response, so the nuclear pact ended.