U.S. Bilateral Physical Protection Program

A substantial increase in reported incidents in Europe of smuggling and offers for sale of alleged weapons-usable nuclear materials has demonstrated the importance of ensuring a high level of physical protection on nuclear material and facilities worldwide. Since 1974, the United States has conducted bilateral consultations with more than forty nations, including site visits, on physical protection of nuclear material at fixed sites and during transport. These consultations are designed to share technical information and experience concerning physical protection of civil nuclear activities. International cooperation and collaboration in physical protection is essential to reducing the risk of theft or unauthorized acquisition of special nuclear material. This paper provides an overview of the U.S. bilateral program on physical protection of nuclear materials at facilities and during transportation.