The U.S. Air Force is readying its nuclear bombers for 24-hour alert status, according to a Defense One report.

“This is yet one more step in ensuring that we’re prepared,” Air Force chief of staff Gen. David Goldfein told the news outlet in an interview.

“I look at it more as not planning for any specific event, but more for the reality of the global situation we find ourselves in and how we ensure we’re prepared going forward.”

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The Air Force has yet to receive the order, according to Defense One. But if it does, it would be the first time B-52 bombers equipped with nuclear weapons are moved to the end of base runways since the end of the Cold War.

When asked if such a move would aid the United States in deterring other countries, Goldfein told DefenseOne: “Really it depends on who, what kind of behavior are we talking about, and whether they’re paying attention to our readiness status.”