The US is toying with the concept of an 'improved earth-penetrating bomb', asserting that modernising nuclear weapons and studying new ones do not amount to violation of Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
According to a US State Department factsheet, "Washington has no specific plans to develop low yield nuclear weapons but the Nuclear Posture Review highlighted the importance of being able to respond to changes in the security environment."
Under the two studies, it would, first, make a "modest research effort to look at possible advanced concepts to meet potential or emerging requirements. Second, an improved earth-penetrating bomb, the Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator is being studied," the factsheet said.
The factsheet, however, specified that the US was not embarking on developing any new nuclear weapons.
"At this stage, concepts are being studied. Any development of nuclear weapons beyond conceptual and feasibilities studies would (only) require presidential approval and appropriation of funds by the Congress," the statement added.
It said modernising nuclear weapons and refusal to give it up by the five 'recognised' powers till there was 'general and complete disarmament' were all within the provisions of the NPT for the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
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