TRANSFORMATION OF THE NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMPLEX

The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is transforming the United States nuclear weapons complex to NNSA’s “Complex 2030” vision for the future. The overall objectives of these proposed changes are to ensure a credible nuclear deterrent for the long-term by giving America a responsive nuclear weapons infrastructure as called for in the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review, and to enable a safe, secure, reliable, and sustainable stockpile that decreases the likelihood of needing an underground nuclear test in the future. The following four long-term implementation strategies describe the path forward: 1) In partnership with the Department of Defense, transform the nuclear stockpile through development of Reliable Replacement Warheads (RRWs), refurbishment of limited numbers of legacy designs, and accelerated dismantlement of the Cold War stockpile; 2) Transform to a modernized, cost-effective complex; 3) Create a fully integrated and interdependent complex; and 4) Drive the science and technology base essential for long-term national security. RRW concepts will be designed with safety and security in mind; they will be easier to manufacture, certify, and maintain. The process of bringing RRWs into the stockpile will exercise the science and production bases, ensuring the maintenance of critical skills. With these attributes, RRW will help to establish the responsive nuclear weapons infrastructure the nation requires. To further facilitate cost-effectiveness and operational efficiencies, NNSA proposes to consolidate facilities, operations, and materials. There are planned to be fewer sites and fewer locations within sites with large quantities of special nuclear material. Consolidation will facilitate substantial reduction of real estate that is supported by weapons activities budgets. Modernized production centers of excellence are proposed for plutonium, uranium, and tritium activities, and also for assembly and disassembly of warheads. Out-sourcing of non-nuclear components will be maximized. Finally, the NNSA will maintain the scientific and technical excellence of its national laboratories, essential to dissuading potential enemies from competing in the nuclear arena, assuring allies and opponents alike of our extensive capabilities, and nurturing a capability to find technical solutions to unpredictable future military and economic threats.