UK resumes nuclear fuel production

The United Kingdom intends to resume production of its own nuclear fuel for military purposes.

Here's What We Know

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has announced plans to explore the possibility of restoring the nuclear fuel cycle to produce defence reactor fuel.

"We are exploring the possibility of resuming the production of fuel for defence nuclear reactors as part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise initiative. The government is committed to modernising production facilities, working together with industry to achieve this goal," the minister said.

Importantly, the programme only covers the production of fuel for nuclear reactors used on the Vanguard, Astute and Dreadnought class nuclear submarines. The United Kingdom continues to adhere to the moratorium on the production of nuclear materials for weapons, which the country introduced in 1995.

Currently, the UK does not have its own facilities for the production of such fuel, so it purchases it from the United States when needed. The resumption of production will help ensure greater independence of the country's defence nuclear programme.

The Defence Nuclear Enterprise is a key network of organisations responsible for the maintenance and operation of the UK's nuclear deterrent, including submarines, infrastructure and specialised personnel.

In addition, as part of its modernisation efforts, the United Kingdom is working on the development of a new Astraea A21/Mk7 warhead to replace the outdated Mk4/A warheads that have been in service since 1994. The new warhead type should provide a more effective nuclear deterrent.

Source: UK Defence Journal.