Number: RL33748
Title: Nuclear Warheads: The Reliable Replacement Warhead Program and the Life Extension Program
Authors: Jonathan Medalia, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: At issue for Congress is how best to maintain the nuclear stockpile so that it will retain, for many decades, capabilities that political and military leaders deem necessary. There are three main options: (1) extend the service lives of current warheads without nuclear testing; (2) develop, build, and deploy a new generation of warheads without testing to replace the current stockpile; or (3) resume nuclear testing, which the United States suspended in 1992, as a tool to help maintain existing warheads or develop new ones.
Pages: 47
Date: December 3, 2007