Federation of American Scientists
Project Title
For one-time funding for a project assessing the implications of emerging and disruptive technologies for the stealth and security of nuclear launch platforms as part of a Request for Proposals on “Emerging Technologies and Nuclear Weapon Risks”
Date
Sep. 11, 2025
Duration
24 months
Description
The rapid development of emerging and disruptive technologies (EDTs) could pose a significant risk to the second-strike capabilities of nuclear-armed states. Yet, there is a notable gap in public research on the ability of EDTs to detect mobile nuclear launch platforms, which rely on stealth and relocation. If EDTs can reliably detect mobile launch platforms, the major implications include disrupting longstanding notions of nuclear stability. To analyze this dilemma, the Federation of American Scientists will assess the destabilizing impacts of EDTs on mobile nuclear launch platforms, specifically land-based and sea-based platforms, with the goal of providing experts and policymakers with data to recommend short- and medium-term risk reduction measures. Findings will also include recommendations for open-source intelligence practitioners for the responsible use of new tools to ensure open-source analysis does not contribute to nuclear instability.
Website
Project Title
For a project on nuclear command and control and artificial intelligence
Date
Jun. 06, 2024
Duration
36 months
Description
Concerns abound about the potential dangers created by using artificial intelligence (AI) in nuclear weapon command and control systems. But assessing how to mitigate these dangers is made more difficult because few details are known about these systems due to classification and mistrust. With this project, the Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists will investigate and analyze the command and control systems of nuclear possessor states and, in the process, train a new generation of analysts in the methods of open source intelligence. The work will result in published research on command and control systems and will enable analysis of the role of AI in these systems by FAS as well as other experts in both the policy and academic communities.
Website
Project Title
For research on China's nuclear forces
Date
Sep. 15, 2022
Duration
30 months
Description
In 2021, through commercial satellite imagery and opensource information, independent experts discovered 300 Chinese silos under construction that could be used for nuclear weapons, adding to China’s already expanding nuclear arsenal. This, along with other technological advancements raised concerns among nuclear experts in and out of government that the United States for the first time is facing two nuclear-capable peer adversaries. Through the proposed study, the Federation of American Scientists will examine technical capabilities of Chinese nuclear weapons and their implications for U.S. strategy and force structure.Using primary sources, the research will examine Chinese new offensive capabilities, analyze the potential utilities of these advancements, and assess the challenge they pose. The project will also engage with global experts to review its findings and draw recommendations for U.S. policy based on rigorous, independent analyses.
Website
Project Title
For research on conventional deterrence of nuclear powers
Date
Sep. 12, 2019
Duration
32 months
Description
Nuclear and conventional deterrence are poorly integrated in U.S. operational doctrine and national military strategy. This is accentuated by standalone exercises like the Nuclear Posture Review, which encourage policymakers to see nuclear deterrence in isolation from other deterrent tools. This project will draw insights from commanders outside the nuclear community to establish a more balanced understanding of the interplay between nuclear and conventional deterrence. The research will pair interviews and traditional research methods with a peer-reviewed wargame designed to test responses to limited nuclear use. The study will result in policy articles, briefings, and op-eds aimed at better integrating conventional and nuclear deterrence planning.
Website
Project Title
For modifying liability structures and market incentives to give insurance and financial institutions leverage tools to enhance nuclear security
Date
Jun. 14, 2018
Duration
51 months
Description
An obstacle to strengthening fissile and radiological material security is that current regulatory and legal structures tend to lead to underinvestment in nuclear security measures. The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) will convene a small task force of experts from legal, nuclear, and financial domains to generate and review options for improving nuclear-security-related incentives that apply to insurance companies, banks, and corporations. The task force will seek areas where the law is unsettled or inadequately focused on security risks, and will identify and promote practical steps to address these gaps.
Website
Project Title
for strategic planning
Date
Sep. 13, 2012
Duration
12 months
Website
Project Title
For a project on new approaches to nuclear transparency
Date
Sep. 10, 2009
Duration
33 months
Website
Project Title
Toward the development of a management plan for the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies
Date
Mar. 05, 2009
Duration
5 months
Website
Project Title
Toward dissemination and public education related to a report on public interest obligations in the digital age
Date
Sep. 27, 2007
Duration
12 months
Website
Project Title
As a final grant toward a project to strengthen the link between the biological research and security policy communities
Date
Sep. 27, 2007
Duration
48 months
Website
Project Title
Toward a project to strengthen the link between the biological research and security policy communities
Date
Jun. 08, 2006
Duration
24 months
Website
Project Title
Toward a project to strengthen the link between the biological research and security policy communities
Date
Apr. 08, 2004
Duration
24 months