According to the recent 2018 Nuclear Posture review, a smoothly functioning nuclear weapons industrial base is essential to a credible strategic deterrent. The Y-12 National Security Complex in Tennessee and the Pantex Plant in Texas are key sites that contribute to the sustainment and reliability of the nuclear deterrent but are under pressure to decrease costs.
A recent report published by the Department of Energy’s Inspector General found serious management problems occurring at Y-12 and Pantex. This is concerning because those sites enable a safe and reliable nuclear deterrent to protect the U.S. and its allies from potential nuclear aggressors. I have written a commentary on this topic for RealClearDefense here.