Life Extension Programs

What are Life Extension Programs?

In the mid-1990’s the Department of Energy (DOE) embarked upon “Life Extension Programs” (LEPs) to refurbish and extend the “shelf life” of existing nuclear weapons. Under the LEPs, warheads in the current arsenal are disassembled, parts are refurbished or replaced with new components, and the warheads are reassembled and redeployed.

The purpose of the Life Extension Programs is to maintain an enduring nuclear arsenal. “Life Extension” adds at least 35-40 years to a warhead’s usable life, according to DOE (one official has been quoted at 100-120 years), and addresses aging issues of “limited life components. ” LEP activities involve various parts of the warhead, from new or refurbished secondaries to the arming, fusing and firing mechanisms (LEPs do not involve new plutonium pit “triggers,” although“non-intrusive” work is done on existing pits).

The DOE refers to LEPs as part of their "Stockpile Stewardship" program. Unfortunately, all too often, LEPs are used by curious engineers to add new capabilities to existing designs. ANA's position is that "curatorship" would be more appropriate. Just as an art curator would never add more orange to a Van Gogh sunflower painting, a weapons curator should not be tempted to add a newly developed fuze to a tested weapon design.

What is the Problem?

1. LEPs Significantly Modify Warhead Military Capability
2. Financial Costs of LEPs
3. Opportunity Cost of LEPs (dismantlement backlog)