Nukewatch has published our analysis of nuclear weapons convoy movements for the year 2014 (available to download below).
We consider that during 2014 at least three loaded convoys travelled between the Coulport nuclear arms depot in Scotland and the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) at Burghfield in Berkshire, and two loaded convoys travelled in the opposite direction. We estimate that between two and twelve nuclear warheads were dispatched to AWE and between two and eight warheads returned to Coulport. Our best guess is that nine warheads were dispatched to AWE and six were returned to Coulport.
The overall picture of convoy movements during the year represents a similar level of activity than over the last year and is consistent with general observations over the past three to four years. The level of convoy activity continues to remain consistent with the baseline necessary to allow the movement of nuclear weapons for maintenance and surveillance purposes, with a slow rate of return of warheads to AWE for decommissioning.
Convoy exercise activities are also thought to have taken place frequently throughout the year. This is a higher number of exercises than in recent previous years, and may be the result of training required to introduce new convoy personnel members or escort arrangements, or preparation for an increase in the tempo of convoy operations over the months ahead.
Download the 2014 warhead movements log here:
