2.1: Nuclear Deterrent
Transform the Nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile and supporting infrastructure to be more responsive to the threats of the
21st Century.
Other Information:
In accordance with the policy outlined in the 2001 Nuclear Posture Review, the structure of the U.S. nuclear deterrent will
transition from one that relies solely on offensive nuclear forces to one that relies more heavily on capabilities. To that
end, NNSA must develop a credible, responsive nuclear weapons infrastructure to facilitate a reduction in the size of the
stockpile, to support a geater reliance on deterrence by capability, and to change the way we manage risk. NNSA must furthermore
accomplish this transformation of the complex while ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of the stockpile without
nuclear testing. In the 1990's, the Nation established the science-based Stockpile Stewardship Program (SSP) in order for
DOE to fufill its responsibilities for ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of nuclear weapons without nuclear testing.
Sophisticated scientific tools and computer-based simulation techniques were developed to ensure the Nation had a means to
assess the complex phenomena involved in nuclear weapons. Indeed, for more than a decade, SSP has given us confidence that
today's stockpile remains safe, secure, and reliable. Now, transformation of the stockpile and the infrastructure is enabled
by the success of the SSP. Tools and expertise developed in that program are being applied to design replacement warheads,
to ensure long-term confidence in the stockpile, and to enhance the responsiveness of the complex. NNSA has developed a preferred
planning scenario, which sets out the vision for the nuclear weapons complex of 2030. This scenario comprises four over-arching,
long-term implementation strategies, complemented by a near-term commitment to build confidence in the transformation process
over the next 18 months. In addition, NNSA will prepare documentation for a National Environmental Policy Act process that
will examine all reasonable alternatives to modernize and consolidate the complex.
Indicator(s):
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