Ensuring the Safety, Security, and Reliability of the Nuclear Deterrent
Though the Cold War is over and many global leaders are working to reduce their countries' nuclear footprint, our nation and allies continue to rely on our extended deterrent. LLNL's Weapons and Complex Integration (WCI) Directorate works to ensure the remaining deterrent remains safe, secure, and reliable.
WCI accomplishes this through the Stockpile Stewardship Program, an ongoing effort to apply a science-based fundamental understanding of nuclear weapons performance — from the development of enhanced warhead surveillance tools that detect the onset of problems to manufacturing capabilities that produce critical components.
Using the Laboratory's tools and talents, along with that of sister laboratories Los Alamos and Sandia, the nation has been able to assess and certify the safety, security and reliability of the stockpile each year without a return to nuclear testing for more than 20 years.
WCI scientists and engineers are able to accomplish this through unique centers of excellence, including:
Through these cutting edge tools, coupled with the Lab's multidisciplinary expertise, the nation can successfully transition to a reduced stockpile.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
7000 East Avenue • Livermore, CA 94550
Operated by Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, for the
Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
