Defense Department uses floppy disks, '70s PC system in nuclear weapons tech

WASHINGTON, May 26 (UPI) -- The Department of Defense uses 1970s-era computing systems and 8-inch floppy disks to operate functions related to nuclear weapons, according to a recent report.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office published its Federal Agencies Need to Address Aging Legacy Systems report on Wednesday, in which the oversight agency said the Defense Department uses the IBM Series/1 Computer system and floppy disks in connection to functions also related to intercontinental ballistic missiles and tanker support aircraft.

The Defense Departments plans to update technology, including its data storage and desktop terminals, by the end of fiscal year 2017.

"Federal legacy IT investments are becoming increasingly obsolete: Many use outdated software languages and hardware parts that are unsupported. Agencies reported using several systems that have components that are, in some cases, at least 50 years old," the Government Accountability Office writes. "For example, the Department of Defense uses 8-inch floppy disks in a legacy system that coordinates the operational functions of the nation's nuclear forces. In addition, the Department of the Treasury uses assembly language code -- a computer language initially used in the 1950s and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed."

Another example of outdated technology used in the government includes the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of its Benefits Delivery Network, a 51-year-old system which tracks claims filed by veterans for benefits, eligibility and dates of death.

The VA has come under fire this week for reports it mistakenly declared dead some 4,200 veterans between 2011 and 2015.