GAO report: Nuclear triad nearing end-of-life dates, government replacement plans necessary

A new report by the General Accountability Office (GAO) found that most of the U.S. nuclear triad is nearing or past their planned end-of-life dates and that the Departments of Defense and Energy must plan their replacements carefully.

The report found that most of the nuclear triad, three kinds of systems capable of launching nuclear weapons – nuclear-capable heavy bombers, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and ballistic missile submarines – not only need to be replaced but are at risk of delays in replacing them.

While both the DOD and DOE have plans to replace or modernize the triad platforms and the nuclear infrastructure to produce warheads and bombs, both departments face challenges such as shortfalls and long-term sustainment challenges.

The GAO said replacement programs also face risks, including examples like the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, where the program includes limited schedule margins for testing. If the program fails a major test event, it would likely delay any initial fielding. In another example, the GAO said the schedules for DOE’s life extension programs were highly dependent on the availability of suitable facilities to manufacture, assemble and assess bob and warhead components. Still, many of those facilities are outdated or obsolete, with more than half of them over 40 years old.

“DOD and DOE are working to replace triad systems nearing retirement, but these replacement programs face schedule risks that could exacerbate challenges with existing triad systems,” the report said. “DOD and DOE have limited ability to mitigate risks to the efficacy of the nuclear deterrent with their current strategy, and are beginning to consider alternatives.”

Despite the findings, the GAO made no recommendations because the departments were in the midst of an ongoing analysis of the situation.