Iraq's secret nuclear weapons program

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1992 · Physics Today; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.881312· OSTI ID:6637844

Davis, J C ^[1]; Kay, D A ^[2]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
2. Uranium Institute, London (United Kingdom)

UN inspectors discovered an electromagnetic isotope separation factory that put Iraq just 18-30 months away from having enough material for a bomb. They also found European centrifuge technology and plans for an implosion device. The inspections of Iraq mandated by the United Nations as a cease-fire condition at the end of the Gulf War in February 1991 have revealed a clandestine nuclear materials production and weapons design program of unexpected size and sophistication. The total value of that program, in terms of equipment and personnel deployed between 1981 and 1991, may be on the order of $5-10 billion. The program employed an estimated 7000 scientist and 20,000 workers. 6 refs., 4 figs.

• OSTI ID: 6637844
• Journal Information: Physics Today; (United States), Journal Name: Physics Today; (United States) Vol. 45:7; ISSN PHTOAD; ISSN 0031-9228
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

350200* -- Arms Control-- Proliferation-- (1987-)
350300 -- Arms Control-- Verification-- (1987-)
98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARAB COUNTRIES
ASIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ELECTROMAGNETIC ISOTOPE SEPARATION
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
IRAQ
ISOTOPE SEPARATION
MIDDLE EAST
NUCLEAR WEAPONS DISMANTLEMENT
PROLIFERATION
SEPARATION PROCESSES
UNITED NATIONS