A LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR RESTRUCTURING AND CONSOLIDATION OF RUSSIA’S NUCLEAR WARHEAD PRODUCTION INFRASTRUCTURE

The Russian nuclear weapons complex remains oversized and is still configured for the Cold War. The downsizing of the complex is inevitable. A rational approach to the task of consolidating nuclear weapons activities is complex's phased downsizing that is synchronized with nuclear stockpile reductions. A realistic alternative to complex’s orderly transition is its continuing decay that could perpetuate the threat of Russia's rebuilding a huge nuclear arsenal, undermine complex’s core missions, heighten the risk of proliferation, increase the possibility of a major accident, and hinder economic development and defense conversion. Based on public information about Russia's weapons program, this report discusses complex’s nuclear weapons missions and associated infrastructure requirements, reviews the developments in the complex to date, and outlines a long-term strategy for restructuring and consolidation of Russia’s nuclear warhead production infrastructure.