February 27, 2006 :: London Guardian :: Analysis
The Guardian reports that Britain recently took part in a subcritical test of nuclear material in Nevada. The “Krakatau test,” as it was called, took place on February 23 and involved a detonation 300 m beneath the desert. The test was designed to demonstrate that Britain’s nuclear bombs have not deteriorated while in storage and will still go off should they ever be launched. Such subcritical tests are normal, as plutonium can undergo phase changes which can alter its behavior as it ages.
The Guardian, however, speculates that the U.S. and Britain might use such tests to help develop next generation nuclear warheads. The U.S. has discussed the possibility of developing “robust nuclear earth penetrators,” otherwise known as “bunker-busters,” which would be able to destroy structures deep underground. Although the Bush administration’s funding to modify two existing nuclear warheads for earth penetration was blocked by Congress in 2005 and 2006, funding was approved for the Reliable Replacement Warhead program, which
The Guardian hypothesizes might be a cover for new warhead development.
(Article)
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