# America arms space while neglecting nuclear security

> The U.S. is spending billions on orbital weapons while cutting inspections at nuclear plants.
- Title: America arms space while neglecting nuclear security
- Summary: The U.S. is spending billions on orbital weapons while cutting inspections at nuclear plants. Strategic priorities matter: investing heavily in future…
- Keywords: space weapons, nuclear security, nuclear regulatory commission, space force, golden dome, military spending, barksdale air force base, drone incursions, nuclear plants, defense budget, America, arms
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/us-space-weapons-nuclear-security-nrc-golden-dome-12450807
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:14:07+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: space weapons, nuclear security, nuclear regulatory commission, space force, golden dome, military spending, barksdale air force base, drone incursions, nuclear plants, defense budget
## U.S. reveals orbital weapons
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the U.S. has placed military weapons in space capable of defending against hostile action, marking a shift from using space only for communication and surveillance.
## Space force budget surges
The Space Force budget would jump from $32 billion to $71.1 billion in fiscal 2027, a 120 percent increase. The classified Golden Dome program would add another $17.1 billion for space initiatives.
## Nuclear regulator gets less
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requested $892 million for fiscal 2027, down $79 million from this year. Its workforce would shrink by 196 positions, a 7 percent cut.
## Security inspections slashed
The NRC is cutting baseline security inspection time at nuclear plants by 41 to 48 percent. Cybersecurity inspections will move from every two years to every three years.
## Mock attack tests ending
The NRC plans to phase out agency-led force-on-force exercises after 2028, where trained adversaries test nuclear plant defenses. Plant operators will conduct exercises while NRC personnel only observe.

> independence is the point of independent testing
## Drones breach bomber base
In March, Barksdale Air Force Base experienced unauthorized drone incursions over sensitive areas. The base houses nuclear-capable B-52 bombers and plays a central role in nuclear command and control.
## Spectacle versus security
Washington excels at funding grand technological frontiers but neglects maintaining institutions that inspect procedures and expose vulnerabilities. National power depends on both reaching high and keeping foundations solid.

> Let's not confuse spectacle with security.
## Key takeaway

Strategic priorities matter: investing heavily in future military technology shouldn't come at the cost of maintaining current nuclear safety oversight.