How nuclear weapons are transported

 

The World's Most Secured Convoy

Security is provided to this convoy at a level that may surpass even the protection given to the US President. It is crucial to transport this convoy weapon from one location to another without any incident. If anything goes wrong during the transport, the world's most dangerous weapon could fall into the wrong hands, resulting in catastrophic consequences for not just one country but potentially the entire world. Therefore, there is no room for compromise on security.

Transporting Nuclear Weapons

Nuclear weapons in the US are transported with extreme caution. There are currently 12,515 nuclear weapons in the world, 41% of which belong to the United States. These weapons are strategically placed across America, with many kept in storage as backup. This strategic distribution ensures that no single attack can neutralize all the weapons.

Maintenance and Security

Maintaining nuclear weapons is vital. Like any military equipment, nuclear weapons require regular upkeep. Their mechanical parts can rust, and the plutonium or uranium inside them must be kept in good condition. The US has a dedicated federal agency, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), responsible for the security and maintenance of these weapons.

Security Measures During Transport

When nuclear weapons are transported, the convoy is heavily guarded. The convoy includes several police vehicles, federal agents, and specialized trucks known as "Bear Cats," which are bulletproof and highly secure. Each BearCat carries a team of four to six federal agents armed with handguns, shotguns, and assault rifles. Some vehicles even have automatic machine guns and other heavy weaponry.

Communication and Coordination

Convoys maintain constant communication through radios on three different channels. This ensures that even if one channel is jammed, the convoy can still coordinate its movements. An Emergency Control Centre monitors the convoy and can dispatch additional forces if needed. This meticulous planning ensures that the convoy can respond to any threats swiftly and effectively.

The Convoy Trucks

The trucks used for transporting nuclear weapons are custom-made and highly secure. They are built with hard steel, making them resistant to common tools like grinders and drilling machines. The trucks are also designed to withstand accidents and fires, protecting the nuclear weapons inside for several hours. The driver's cabin is bullet and bomb-proof, with doors that can only be opened from the inside.

Anti-Theft Measures

In case attackers manage to take control of a truck, it is equipped with explosives on the axle that will detonate, causing the truck to separate from its wheels and become immobile. Additionally, the containers holding the nuclear weapons have no electronic locks but are protected by adhesive spray guns and electric shocks.

Aerial Surveillance

The convoy is constantly monitored by helicopters, which are replaced when their fuel runs low. These helicopters carry backup forces ready to protect the nuclear weapons at any cost.

Conclusion

These extensive security measures ensure that the world's most dangerous weapons are transported safely and securely. To date, not a single convoy transporting nuclear weapons in the US has been compromised. This is a testament to the rigorous protocols in place to protect these critical assets.