WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- Experts say technical problems are partially to blame for delays in a U.S. government program aimed at refurbishing aging nuclear warheads.
The Los Angeles Times said Friday that, according to experts, the decade-long refurbishment effort focused around the W76 nuclear warhead has also faced setbacks as a result of a reported lack of nuclear expertise at the U.S. Energy Department.
"I wouldn't say the deterrent has been affected at all," Philip Coyle, former assistant secretary of defense, said of the refurbishment problems. "It is, however, a reminder that expertise about nuclear weapons is a precious thing and needs to be maintained."
National Nuclear Security Administration spokesman Damien LaVera denied the department is lacking crucial skills, but did recognize a need for increased training of scientists in the field of nuclear weaponry.
Meanwhile, the main technical problem hindering the refurbishment effort, aimed at preparing thousands of aging warheads for use, is a classified component known by the code word "fogbank."
The Times said the component may be an exotic material that helps the warhead generate sufficient energy prior to detonation.
