Top News US Air Force flight tests hypersonic missile on B-52 bomber Defense News Tankers struck near Strait of Hormuz; US blames Iran Associated Press DPRK’s NC3 System Nautilus Institute for Security and Sustainability U.S. Nuclear Policy US Air Force flight tests hypersonic missile on B-52 bomber Defense News6/13/2019 The U.S. Air Force successfully conducted a flight test of a hypersonic missile Wednesday at Edwards Air Force Base in California, according to a news release. The flight test collected data on drag and vibration impacts on the weapon and the B-52 Stratofortress carrying it. The AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon did not contain explosives and was not released from the aircraft, the Air Force said. Space Corps? Space Force? House and Senate Plans Diverge Air Force Magazine6/13/2019 The House Armed Services Committee backed the creation of a Space Corps in a bipartisan voice vote early June 13 during the markup of the 2020 defense authorization bill. Middle East Tankers struck near Strait of Hormuz; US blames Iran Associated Press6/13/2019 The U.S. blamed Iran for suspected attacks on two oil tankers Thursday near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, denouncing what it called a campaign of “escalating tensions” in a region crucial to global energy supplies. Turkey says would retaliate against U.S. sanctions over Russian S-400s Reuters6/14/2019 Turkey will “take reciprocal steps” if the United States imposes sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 defenses, the Turkish foreign minister said on Friday, marking the latest step toward a standoff between the NATO allies. South Asia US cautions India over buying S-400 missile defence system from Russia Business Standard6/14/2019 The US is ready to help India’s defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned. US piles more pressure on Pakistan The International News6/14/2019 Ambassador Wells stated that the US engagement with Pakistan on non-proliferation issues was also crucial, as both countries attach high importance to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. However, she added that the US remains concerned about Pakistan’s development of certain categories of nuclear weapons and delivery systems. Opinion/Analysis/Commentary The US must deploy a sub-launched low-yield nuke Defense NewsBradley Bowman, Andrew Gabel 6/14/2019 To address an important gap in America’s nuclear deterrent, the U.S. should deploy without delay a submarine-launched low-yield nuclear ballistic missile. What Turkey’s S-400 missile deal with Russia means for Nato BBC NewsJonathan Marcus 6/13/2019 The US and Turkey – one of Washington’s key Nato allies – appear to be on a collision course this summer. Yucca Mountain is the safest spot for nuclear waste. We should pay Nevada to use it. USA TodayAlex Berezow 6/13/2019 Nevada’s Yucca Mountain facility should be used to store the nation’s nuclear waste, and America should pay rent to the state to use it. Special Interest DPRK’s NC3 System Nautilus Institute for Security and SustainabilityMyeongguk Cheon 6/6/2019 In this essay, Myeongguk Cheon describes what is known about North Korea’s NC3 system. He concludes: “Regarding the DPRK’s NC3 system, however, many questions remain unanswered, even though it is clearly identified who has the final approval authority and what forces operates delivery systems for the employment of nuclear weapons.”