Pakistan currently boasts 165 warheads within its nuclear arsenal. These warheads are composed of a solid core of highly-enriched Uranium (HEU), bomb-type explosions, and short range solid-fuel missiles. By 2025, this number could rise to around 200 warheads. At least 20 facilities are associated with Pakistan's nuke program. These include gas-centruge and reprocessing plants as well as research reactors.
The US government is concerned that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal could fall into terrorist hands. There are many safety precautions in place to safeguard the country's nuclear arsenal. Permissive Action Links is one such safety measure. This requires that the code be entered before any weapon is detonated. The system prevents accidental launches and protects against a nuclear explosion.
Several reports on the state of Pakistan's nuclear program suggest that the country has made good progress in advancing its nuclear capabilities. The United States also offered assistance to Pakistan in ensuring its nuclear safety. Its assistance is part the US budget and has helped pay for many security improvements. The Bush administration spent nearly $100 million to finance a program that trained Pakistani officials in the United States.
Pakistan's leadership has repeatedly expressed confidence in its nuclear arsenal. Despite numerous political crises Pakistan has continued to work towards its nuclear arsenal. It has produced hundreds of kilograms HEU. Pakistan's nuclear warheads are currently using between 15 and 20 kg of U235 to make the core of each bomb.
The National Command Authority, which includes military and civilian leaders and is chaired annually by the prime minster, manages Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The National Command Authority's main nuclear-related body is the Strategic Plans Division. It is responsible for nuclear command and control, civil applications, and strategic planning.
At least twenty sites are associated with the nuclear program. These include research and development laboratories and uranium mines. You will also find a variety of places where you can store nuclear weapons. These locations often contain three to four distinct parts. Some of these sites may be underground. These underground sites can be associated with launch or storage sites for nuclear weapons depending on how large the nuclear warhead is.
The US Department of Defense has repeatedly assured Pakistan of its nuclear arsenal's safety. However, the US government has questioned whether the Pakistani leadership is taking steps to reduce the risks of accidents.
Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State, offered to help Pakistan improve its nuclear arsenal safety after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. The Bush administration also funded the construction of a nuclear security training center in Pakistan. Senator Joseph Lieberman (who had been the chairman of Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee) was reassured.
Pakistan's nuke program has been a complicated and lengthy affair. While many people have a negative impression of its policies, there are still a number of countries and groups that support the country's efforts. China has established strong relations with the country. It has also received assistance through other Muslim nations.