The US Congress has approved the integration of the under-developed SLCM-N (Sea Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear) nuclear missiles to equip the new BBG(X) battleships of the US Navy. The first time the US Navy integrated nuclear missiles into warships was in the mid-1980s, with the TLAM-N missiles (a version of the Tomahawk with a maximum range of 2,500 km). However, in 1991 it was decided to withdraw these missiles, which was done in mid-1992, while in 2010 it was decided to withdraw the missiles, a process that was completed in 2013.
The SLCM-N missiles are being developed for the Virginia-class submarines and are designed to provide a low-power nuclear capability at a tactical level, with the aim of deterrence of course. Its development began in 2018, although there have been disagreements and attempts to cancel the entire program. In particular, there are discussions in the US about the need for such a weapon, as there are voices that consider it unnecessary in relation to other existing options, such as the B61 bombs, or diplomatically dangerous, creating the potential risk of reaction.
