Nuclear weapons of Sedunn (Pacifica)

Sedunn
Nuclear program start date	October 5, 1942 (1942-10-05)
First nuclear weapon test	November 9, 1957 (1957-11-09)
First thermonuclear weapon test	April 14, 1963 (1963-04-14)
Last weapon test	July 23, 1991 (1991-07-23)
Largest yield test	2.7 MtTNT (1970)
Total number of tests	31
Peak stockpile number	4,900 (1979 estimate)
Current total stockpile	940 (2018 estimate)
Current stockpile yield in megatonnesTNT	75~300 Mt (2018 estimate)
Current active arsenal	355 (2018 estimate)
Total active yield in megatonnesTNT	35~100 Mt (2018 estimate)
Maximum missile range	ICBM: >10,000 km SLBM: >12,000 km

Sedunn and Ryccia were the first countries to develop and test nuclear weapons following the completion of the joint nuclear weapons programme codenamed Case Yellow Fox (CYF) in 1957. However, Sedunn had been researching nuclear weapons since at least 1941 not long after the discovery of nuclear fission. The programme codenamed Nilet Ruetunn ("Thoughtful Greeting") had a slow start and faced several difficulties as well as budget restraints. In 1949 CYF merged Sedunn's and Ryccia's separate programmes aiming for an expedited deployment against the Imperialists of the Great War as a means to force a swifter end to the conflict. While both nations had access to significant deposits of fissile material domestically, the programme initially had process issues failing to enrich relevant amounts of fissile material. The programme was also delayed by a significant espionage threat that forced the development of several "false" separate clones of the programme. The distance between Sedunn and Ryccia proved a significant challenge as well, especially early during the Great War when the Allies did not yet enjoy supremacy in the South Pacific Ocean.

The Great War ended before the first CYF nuclear bomb had been manufactured; it is estimated that it would have been ready for a first test in March or April 1956, alternatively early in 1957. Upon success, troop concentrations and/or army command centres to the west of Karnetgrad were likely the designated target for the very first atomic raid. It was decided to postpone the first test as there no longer was any urgency and it was estimated that it would be useful to already have access to a small arsenal once rivals learned of the new weapon. After the successful test in Ryccia in November 9 1957, CYF split off into separate national programmes again, but there was significant cooperation until the Democratic Schism during the Cold War.

Following the start of the Cold War, Sedunn rapidly developed its nuclear technology and delivery systems, becoming one of the primary military powers of the Democratic Bloc. There were synergies with Sedunn's extensive space programme. At its peak, there were almost 5,000 warheads in the Sedunnic nuclear arsenal. There was extensive cooperation between Sedunn and Izaakia leading to several jointly developed systems, especially in the field of ICBMs and anti-ballistic defence. This cooperation has remained largely intact despite the deterioration of relations between the nations the last few years. Today, Sedunn has an estimated arsenal of 940 nuclear warheads, of which 355 are believed to be deployed in a nuclear triad. Sedunnic nuclear weapons have never been used in combat.

Doctrine and policy

Sedunn's nuclear weapons are a main component of Sedunn's deterrence against foreign aggression, nuclear and otherwise. The current nuclear doctrine allows non-last resort strikes; pre-emptive nuclear strikes may be used also against conventional targets such as troop concentrations or critical military infrastructure. This ambiguity is considered a deterrence in its own right, but critics fear that this lowers the threshold for a nuclear war. Sedunn is however committed to the principles of proportionality and has pledged not to target large population centres "for the sake or retaliation". The Sedunnic Navy is mandated to have at least one nuclear submarine on patrol at any given time for second strike use.

Sedunn has signed but not ratified the WF Treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons proclaiming its intent to disarm should every other nation do so simultaneously. Sedunn has also accepted the demand for nuclear disarmament for new Concordia Entente members. Critics claim that this weakens the alliance and bars certain potential candidates from joining, while others note that Sedunn being the only nation in the alliance to retain its arsenal gives the nation more influence over critical decisions.

Delivery systems

A nuclear triad power, Sedunn has the means to launch nuclear weapons with long range including land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), and strategic bombers with nuclear and missiles.

Surface-launched systems

• Kessni 3: Cold War era intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a stated maximum range in excess of 10,000 km, 1-10 warheads with an estimated yield of 100-300 kt. It is both silo-based and road-mobile with the Botna I-23 transporter erector launcher
• Tevv 4 E-A: Medium-range supersonic nuclear cruise missile that can be launched from MLRS, warships and submarines. It has an unknown range and a 100-300 kt warhead

Submarine-launched ballistic missile

• IRS74 Strib: range in excess of 12,000 km, 1-12 warheads with an estimated yield of 100-300 kt

Air-launched systems

• Tevv 4 L-B: Medium-range supersonic nuclear cruise missile with a range larger than 500 km and a 300 kt thermonuclear warhead
• IS11 Koarms: air-dropped bomb with a yield of 70 kt. All warheads have been retired

Future

Having been fiercely debated for some time, in September 2024 the Sedunnic government approved additional funds for updating the nation’s nuclear arsenal. The program includes decommissioning and renovation of old warheads and delivery systems and production of new warheads and delivery systems. 5 billion Tn plus a secret sum from the Sedunnic Strategic Defense Fund are to be invested. Anticipated leaps in hypersonic systems are not deemed to be a sufficient replacement for the nuclear deterrent. None of the large Sedunnic political parties advocate nuclear disarmament and a stable majority among Sedunners support keeping the nuclear weapons.