The High Cost of Nuclear Weapons

Throughout the entirety of the twentieth century, the most disputed topic of discussion has perhaps been that of nuclear weapons. Some people argue these weapons of mass destruction are vital to the survival of order and decency in the world, while others contend that nuclear weapons will bring an end to civilization as we now know it. Regardless of both of these arguments, there are two things that just about nobody can deny – nuclear weapons are extremely expensive and enormously destructive.

The first thing to know about nuclear weapons is exactly how much money they have cost the United States? Since the first government supported work on nuclear weapons began in 1940, the United States has spent approximately $4 trillion on its nuclear arsenal as of 1995. This figure is roughly 3 times what the United States spent on World War II. It should also be mentioned that with overhead costs required to develop, produce, deploy, operate, support, and control these weapons, the total would come to approximately an extra $500 billion to $1 trillion dollars once all known costs are documented. Since the conclusion of World War II in 1945, nuclear weapons have been held accountable for the consumption of one quarter to one third of the United States’ military budget.

Currently, the figures are a bit more gentle on the United States’ annual budget but still astronomical in its own right. Annually, the United States spends at least $33 billion on nuclear weapons and weapon-related activities, which is equivalent to about 13 percent of all military spending. Of this $33 billion, $8 billion is spent annually on nuclear waste management, environmental remediation, weapons dismantling, and disposition activities. The majo...

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...o referred to as an “enhanced radiation weapon.” This bomb is in the 1 to 10 kiloton range minus the outer casing of uranium. The neutron bomb emits a spray of neutrons that is lethal for a distance of a few hundred meters. Unlike x-rays discharged from conventional nuclear bombs, the neutrons penetrate a considerable thickness as in steel and concrete (RC p. 56-64). These particular bombs are designed for battlefield use, not cities. The blast this bomb produces is equivalent to about half of a regular nuclear blast, yet still potent.

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- Tompkins, Harry. Effects and Costs of the Nuclear Research Project. New York:

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- Voss, Milton. The Aftermath of a Nuclear Blast. Boston: Houghton, 1993.