Scope of the project
In October 2017, the Quad conducted the first multilateral nuclear disarmament verification exercise. The exercise, known as LETTERPRESS, explored the practical challenges associated with the monitoring and verification of nuclear weapon declarations. LETTERPRESS was held in strict conformity with all States’ non-proliferation obligations and was able to investigate real-life considerations related to the inclusion of non-nuclear weapon states in nuclear disarmament verification.
Outcomes
The exercise focused on activities that take place between removal of nuclear warheads from in-field deployment and delivery of the same warheads for dismantlement. Verification activities related to the remaining active warheads were also simulated.
In the exercise, the Quad tested managed access procedures, techniques and technologies that could verify the correctness and completeness of a declaration throughout storage at a nuclear weapon site and transportation.
The exercise enabled the Quad partners to identify concepts, techniques and technologies that might be applied in future verification regimes, and it provided the partners with experience in developing a system of verification procedures.
Our ongoing project as part of our third phase of activity. The lessons learned from the exercise have led the Quad to organise its continuing work towards 2025 in two separate work streams.
