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Nuclear Earth Penetrator Weapons (CRS Report for Congress)

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Release Date Revised July 21, 2003
Report Number RS20834
Report Type Report
Authors Jonathan Medalia, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division
Source Agency Congressional Research Service
Older Revisions
  • Premium   Jan. 27, 2003 (6 pages, $24.95) add
Summary:

The Administration's Nuclear Posture Review considered nuclear earth penetratorweapons (EPWs), which would burrow tens of feet into the ground before detonating to improve their ability to destroy buried facilities. The FY2003 Department of Energy (DOE) budget request included $15 million to begin a study on a Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator (RNEP). The request led to congressional and public debate because EPWs involve such policy issues as circumstances under which the United States would use nuclear weapons, military value of EPWs, and nonproliferation. This report provides background, pros, and cons. It will be updated as needed.