National Technical Nuclear Forensics Systems
Abstract
Per Presidential Policy Directive 42, Annex C, the DoD provides the USG post-detonation NTNF capability. Per DoDD 2060.04, OUSD(A&S) is the DoD office responsible for DoD’s NTNF capabilities. This program is the only DoD RDT&E program focused on Advanced Component Development & Prototypes for NTNF capabilities. Ensuring the USG can identify the source of nuclear material and hold those involved or supporting an attack accountable is critical to our national defense and security. Swift and accurate forensic and attribution (identification) capabilities are vital to supporting the President and Secretary of Defense in developing an appropriate, and timely, national response to a nuclear event and to prevent future attacks. An effective attribution capability ensures potential adversaries know that they will be held accountable if they use proxies or other non-traditional delivery of nuclear weapons against the U.S., U.S. interests, or allies. Both internal and independent studies indicate that continued improvement to the USG's NTNF capabilities is needed to sustain a credible deterrent against an attempted or actual nuclear attack. Additionally, this program sustains perishable U.S. technical expertise at the operational DoD laboratories required to respond to a post-detonation NTNF event. DoD's laboratory capability in this area is limited by capacity and technical expertise. In FY 2018, Departments and Agencies began to shift research and development from NTNF to other mission areas, which resulted in degradation of the DoD's (and by default, the USG’s) ability to execute the nuclear forensics mission and deter adversaries through the attrition of technical experts vital to the response. Sustained support of the DoD’s NTNF mission is crucial to not only preventing attrition of current capabilities and knowledge base, but in ensuring that this critical and unique deterrence capability is not lost, putting the security of the nation and the ability to deter specific kinds of nuclear attack at risk. This PE can fund travel to support the requirements of this program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2023
- Source ID
- 040_0603161D8Z_4_0400_PB_2023
Related Documents
- Root: Nuclear and Conventional Physical Security National Technical Nuclear Forensics
- Child Accomplishment: NTNF Capability Development
- Child Cost Item: 56634c11e662a98319b593714dd17e81
- Child Cost Item: bf50c2d0e821eee573cda1e41932b241
- Child Cost Item: 9dda96ce1494ca433d81c0411328d27d
- Child Cost Item: ba002cd50d25964fd597e90f88f1c4b7