Tukarali and weapons of mass destruction

The Glorious Republic of Greater Tukarali is not known to possess any weapons of mass destruction, but has publicly declared its intention of developing them in the near future. Research into weapons of mass destruction has been ongoing in Tukarali for decades.

The development of weapons of mass destruction has accelerated as a result of the entry into law of the Military Reform Act.

Chemical weapons
Tukarali has had the infrastructure and technological capability to very rapidly develop chemical weapons for many years. However, the actual development of chemical weapons only began in 3358. Tukarali possess several government-operated plants around the country in which these weapons are being built; so far, three have been identified by the international community. Tukarali is known to be developing nerve agents such as VX and cyclosarin, and the pulomary agent disulfur decafluoride. Foreign experts believe that Tukarali may successfully create chemical weapons by the beginning of 3360.

The Tukarese government has stated that its military may use chemical weapons for any reason, but that it will 'excercise caution and restraint in these matters'.

Biological weapons
Tukarali is currently engaged in a program to develop biological weapons. Few details are known, other than that Tukarese scientists are working on anthrax, botulinum toxin (the most potent toxin known) and a weaponised version of yersinia pestis (black death).

The Tukarese government's position on biological weapons is similar to that on chemical weapons.

Nuclear weapons
Probably the most prominent, controversial and labour-intensive component of Tukarali's weapons of mass destruction program is its nuclear program; the Tukarese government has also been uncommonly forthcoming about its nuclear ambitions. Prior to the passage of Military Reform Act in 3358, vast crowds of anti- and pro-nuclear protesters gathered in large cities all over Tukarali to publicise their views.

Ultimately, the Tukarese government authorised a program to develop nuclear weapons in February 3358. It has attracted some of the most eminent scientific brains in Tukarali, including Professor Érico Carlos Marzagão Gralheiro, who will be the chief scientist of the project. The director of the project is Major General Uriankhai Sansariin Naranbaatar.

The stated goal of the project is to create and successfully detonate a nuclear device that can be delivered both by bomber and by missile. It is believed that this will be accomplished in no more than five years; some believe that it can be done in just three. Research has been directed at an implosion-type fission weapon; while boosted fission devices have been considered, there are currently no plans to develop two-stage fusion weapons due to Tukarali's fairly limited resources.

Due to prior research into nuclear weapons technology, Tukarali already possesses several facilities that will be useful in the development of nuclear weapons. There are several uranium enriching facilities and plutonium reactors around the country at top secret locations.

There is also ample space for proving grounds in the sparsely populated northern areas of the Morata Valley, not far from the Valruzian border. Despite international pressure, the Tukarese government believes that the most useful type of nuclear testing is atmospheric testing, as it gives a somewhat better representation of a nuclear detonation during wartime.

Delivery systems
Tukarali possess a very minimal fleet of strategic bombers, so they are therefore unable to constitute and effective and credible deterrent. Nor does Tukarali have the resources to build ballistic missile submarines.

Thus, the main mode of delivery for Tukarali's weapons of mass destruction is expected to be medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Once synthesised, the Tukarese military will have the capability to deliver chemical weapons with tactical artillery. However, Tukarali does not intend to use biological weapons on the battlefield; nor is it known to be developing tactical nuclear weapons.