Nuclear Weapon

Nuclear weapons are explosive devices that cause destruction by converting matter into energy. First developed by the United States during World War II, in the Manhattan Project ?, they were used in the form of atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Nuclear weapon stockpiles were assembled by the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War, and have been maintained at reduced levels since then.

They can be delivered by airplane (e.g. B-52 bomber), and by ballistic missiles launched from ground installations or by submarines. Tactical nukes can also be delivered by artillery.