President Donald Trump has ordered the Defense Department to begin testing nuclear weapons “immediately,” a step the U.S. has not taken since 1992, Reuters reported on Thursday.
In announcing South Korea's decision, Trump pointed to growing global nuclear programs and emphasized that the United States has the largest nuclear arsenal. He named Russia second and China a distant third.
“Based on other countries' testing programs, I have directed the War Department to begin testing our nuclear weapons on an equal footing. This process will begin immediately,” the president said in his post on Truth Social.
Which companies are likely to benefit from renewed US nuclear testing?
According to Reuters, Trump's order could result in billions of dollars in contracts being awarded to companies that specialize in the construction, operation and related technical support of nuclear test sites.
According to defense software company Govini, these companies include Honeywell International, BWX Technologies and Mele Associates.
Honeywell operates a key testing site, helps track U.S. nuclear weapons stockpiles and conducts testing. BWXT works with nuclear material, while Mele monitors parts of the stockpile and ensures the safety of the nuclear material.
Other potential beneficiaries include Chugach Alaska, Jacobs Solutions and General Atomic Technologies Corp.
“The resumption of nuclear weapons testing will have repercussions in many ways, including a shock wave of government funding for companies to build test sites and provide technical support,” said Tara Murphy Dougherty, CEO of Govini.
The Senate confirmed Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach as the 24th chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force on Thursday, Breaking Defense reported. Wilsbach will succeed Gen. David Allvin, who announced he will retire in August. Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink welcomed Wilsbach's confirmation to X, saying, “With his vast experience in the Pacific and as a commander at all levels, he is the right leader for the.” [U.S. Air Force].” President Donald Trump nominated Wilsbach for the role in September. His nomination was announced even though he had previously planned to retire after nearly 40 years of active service.
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The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing to consider the nominations of Marc Berkowitz, Joseph Jewell, James Caggy and Brendan Rogers to critical positions in the Department of Defense. If confirmed, Berkowitz, Jewell and Caggy will serve as assistant secretaries of defense for space policy, science and technology and mission capabilities, respectively. Meanwhile, Rogers is named Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Facilities and Environment. In his opening remarks, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., emphasized the importance of each role in advancing the Pentagon's mission. “The American people need public servants to step up and.”