The plan's discussion of nuclear weapons aboard a surface combatant prompts a separate debate from nuclear propulsion. The concern is that tactical nuclear use could lead rapidly to a much larger strategic exchange. Experience with exercises is offered as an illustration of how difficult it can be to contain that escalation. The passage presents a risk assessment, with no claim that every real conflict would follow an identical sequence.
Notable Point · 2:35:43-2:36:44
Surface nuclear weapons and the risk of strategic escalation
The proposed surface nuclear-weapon role prompts concern that tactical use could escalate beyond the intended level of conflict.