Refurbishment

Through Life Extension Program activities, Y-12 produces refurbished, replaced and/or upgraded weapons components for modernizing the enduring stockpile. We are an integral part of NNSA's work to extend the life of key weapons systems in the U.S. arsenal, at a time when the nation is not building new weapons.

A Life Extension Program is necessary when weapons begin to age beyond their useful life. The Y-12 components are returned from the stockpile and disassembled to mine parts that can be reused and materials that can be recycled. New or reused parts, with upgrades as applicable, are reassembled and certified and returned, extending stockpile lifetimes 20 to 30 years.