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Global Security Newswire

Daily News on Nuclear, Biological & Chemical Weapons, Terrorism and Related Issues

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Nuke Cores Could Function for 150 Years: LANL

Plutonium nuclear-weapon components are capable of performing their intended purpose for up to 150 years, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory said in its December issue of Science and Technology Review.

The conclusion -- from an ongoing investigation launched by the California laboratory and the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico -- casts doubt on the necessity to construct a new plant to aid in manufacturing new plutonium warhead cores, Arms Control Today said in its January edition.

Los Alamos is aiming for manufacturing of between 20 and 30 pits annually until its Chemistry and Metallurgy Research Replacement site becomes operational. The Obama administration's fiscal 2013 budget plan called for a five-year postponement in construction of the site, while Congress demanded at the end of 2012 that it be finished by 2027 and cost no more than $3.7 billion.

NTI Analysis

  • Global Dialogue October 2012 Meeting

    Nov. 9, 2012

    This report includes resources from the October 2012 meeting of the Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities in Dalfsen, The Netherlands.

  • 1st Global Dialogue Rapporteur’s Report

    Aug. 9, 2012

    This rapporteur's report reflects the discussion of 35 government officials, experts, and representatives from nuclear industry and international organizations at the first Global Dialogue on Nuclear Security Priorities meeting in July 2012.

Country Profile

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United States

This article provides an overview of the United States’ historical and current policies relating to nuclear, chemical, biological and missile proliferation.

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