When are nuclear weapons most vulnerable to seizure?

The most vulnerable time for nuclear weapons to be seized is during transit. This phase of transportation typically involves moving weapons from one secure location to another, which can expose them to risks such as interception or theft, particularly if security measures are not sufficiently robust.

During transit, nuclear weapons may not be as heavily guarded as they are in secure storage facilities, which are specifically designed to safeguard them against unauthorized access. Additionally, the logistical challenges of movement, including route planning and traffic conditions, can create windows of opportunity for hostile actors who may seek to seize control of the weapons.

In contrast, while weapons are in storage, they are usually located in heavily fortified facilities with strict security protocols. At deployment sites, similar security measures are implemented to protect them, making those circumstances less favorable for seizure. During maintenance, although the weapons might be temporarily out of their secure environments, procedures are often put in place to ensure that they remain secure under strict oversight.

Thus, transit represents a unique period where the potential for vulnerability to seizure is significantly heightened compared to other situations.