Washington: The Obama administration on Thursday submitted a plan to the US Congress to spend USD 80 billion over the next decade to maintain and improve the nation`s nuclear weapons complex.
Obama said he needs the money to enhance the safety, security and reliability of the nuclear weapons stockpile of the United States; modernise the nuclear weapons complex; and maintain the delivery platforms for nuclear weapons over a 10-year period.
"My administration is dedicated to seeking the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons, and we are taking concrete steps toward that goal. As long as nuclear weapons still exist," he said.
Obama said he is firmly committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and effective nuclear arsenal to deter adversaries and reassure US allies and other security partners.
"As we reduce the role of nuclear weapons in our national security strategy, it remains increasingly important that we ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of our nuclear weapons stockpile," he said adding that this report, and the plan it contains, is an important element of its assurance that the US deterrent remains strong.
Welcoming the plan, Senator John Kerry, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said: "It demonstrates the Obama administration`s commitment to keeping America`s nuclear deterrent safe and effective for a generation to come."
PTI
