
The United States has reached the halfway point in the production phase of its W76-1 nuclear warhead life extension program (LEP) effort, according to the head of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). Frank Klotz told reporters Oct. 29 the United States expects to complete the W76-1 LEP during fiscal year 2019. The goal of the W76-1 LEP is to extend the original warhead service life from 20 to 60 years. The W76 is a 1970s-era submarine launched ballistic missile…