The key facts

  • An underground explosion at a depth of ~300 m was conducted to practice methods for detecting hidden nuclear tests
  • The explosion was reported by Deputy NNSA Head Matthew Napoli
  • Earlier, Pete Hegseth announced plans for nuclear weapons tests and a request to increase the nuclear complex budget in 2027

Explosion at the Nevada Test Site

An underground explosion was conducted at the American test site in the Nevada desert to practice methods for detecting hidden nuclear tests. This was reported by Matthew Napoli, deputy head of the National Nuclear Security Administration under the US Department of Energy. According to him, the charge was detonated at a depth of about 300 meters. Using the explosion, specialists simulated the seismic wave decoupling method in order to calibrate American systems for accurately recognizing covert nuclear tests around the world.

Pentagon Statements and Budget

Earlier, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated at hearings before the relevant committee of the House of Representatives that the Pentagon intends to conduct tests of nuclear weapons and delivery systems with nuclear warheads in order to modernize the country's nuclear triad. His department also requested an increase in the budget for funding the US nuclear complex in 2027; the relevant document stated that this measure would allow Washington to guarantee deterrence of strategic adversaries and protect the country's national interests.