Pakistan – Nuclear technology and nuclear weapons
Publish date: 2012-05-10
Report number: FOI-R--3430--SE
Pages: 45
Written in: Swedish
Keywords:
- Pakistan
- nuclear weapons
- doctrine
- nuclear fuel cycle
- uranium
- plutonium
- weapon delivery system
- missile
Abstract
This report compiles and reviews known parts of the nuclear program in Pakistan, with focus on technical conditions related to the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear weapons and strategic ability. Pakistan has not signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, and international sanctions have long prevented the country from importing uranium. The current domestic production rate nevertheless makes Pakistan self-sufficient, both in terms of raw uranium material and production of weapons-grade fissile material. The technical expansion, where plutonium producing reactors and cruise missiles are particularly noticeable, clearly indicates that Pakistan is developing plutonium-based nuclear weapons. The current nuclear arsenal is however based on uranium. The capability to strike major Indian cities is still crucial as a strategic deterrent against India's dominant conventional forces, but Pakistan is also improving its nuclear capability against invading armour and strategic military targets. The comparatively low number of weapon delivery systems presently limits Pakistan's capability.