Session H7: Nuclear Weapon Missions in the 21st Century

8:00 AM–11:00 AM, Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Colorado Convention Center - Korbel 4A-4B

Sponsoring Unit: FPS
Chair: David Hafemeister, Center for International Security and Cooperation, Stanford University

Abstract ID: BAPS.2007.MAR.H7.1

Abstract: H7.00001 : The Future of the U.S. Nuclear Weapons Program

8:00 AM–8:36 AM

Preview Abstract

Author:

  Linton F. Brooks
    (National Nuclear Security Administration)

This paper will examine our plans for the future of the U.S. nuclear weapons program including efforts to ``transform'' the stockpile and supporting infrastructure. We proceed from the premise that the United States will need a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrent for the foreseeable future. Moreover, the Stockpile Stewardship Program is working. Today's stockpile---comprised of legacy warheads left over from the Cold War---is safe and reliable. That said, we see increased risk, absent nuclear testing, in assuring the \textit{long-term safety and reliability} of our current stockpile. Nor is today's nuclear weapons complex sufficiently ``responsive'' to fixing technical problems in the stockpile, or to potential adverse geopolitical change. Our\underline { task} is to work to ensure that the U.S. nuclear weapons enterprise, including the stockpile and supporting infrastructure, meets long-term national security needs. Our \underline {approach} is to develop and field replacement warheads for the legacy stockpile---so-called Reliable Replacement Warheads (RRW)---as a means to transform both the nuclear stockpile and supporting infrastructure.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2007.MAR.H7.1