FAS: Second Blog Post Analyzes Warhead Extension Programs

Second Blog Post Analyzes Warhead Extension Programs

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Today, we published the second post in a new blog series jointly produced by FAS and the Union of Concerned Scientists. This four part series will analyze the National Nuclear Security Administration's Stockpile Stewardship and Management Plan and future challenges the plan will face in the new budget environment.

According to the SSMP, the NNSA plans to spend almost $16 billion on Life Extension Programs (LEPs) to extend the service life and significantly modify almost every warhead in the enduring stockpile. Yet, this figure does not include almost $11 billion in additional expenses to simply maintain the stockpile, outside of the LEP programs. The FY 2012 SSMP provides one possible indication that LEP programs are becoming more ambitious and will incorporate more intrusive changes to the warheads.

To read more about potential modifications to these warheads in the second post of this series, click here.

Thank you for your continued support of FAS and helping us reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our world.

With Gratitude,

Hans M. Kristensen