Verification of Dismantlement of Nuclear Warheads and Controls on Nuclear Materials

Abstract : This study addresses the question of verification of future agreements with respect to dismantlement and destruction of nuclear warheads, bans on the production of additional quantities of plutonium (Pu) and highly enriched uranium (HEU) for nuclear weapons, and agreements on the end-use or ultimate disposal of special nuclear materials (SNM) (i.e., Pu and HEU from warhead dismantlement). The authors consider national technical means (NTM) both as a stand-alone means for monitoring and also in conjunction with aerial overflights ("open skies") and other cooperative technologies and procedures.