Report: U.S. nuclear weapon facilities in Europe need security upgrades

WASHINGTON -- Nuclear sites in Europe controlled by the U.S. Air Force need upgrades to meet Defense Department security requirements, according to an internal report recently made public.

The 118-page investigative report was part of broad review of U.S. nuclear weapons facilities around the world under Air Force command. The report concludes that "nuclear surety in the USAF is sound, but needs strengthening."

The report was completed by the Air Force in February.

Referring to facilities in Europe, the report noted "inconsistencies in personnel, facilities and equipment" provided by host nations.

It specifically cited support buildings, fencing, lighting and security systems that were in need of repair.

"A consistently noted theme throughout the visits was that most sites require significant additional resources to meet DOD security requirements," the report reads.

Investigators recommended consolidating resources to "reduce vulnerabilities."

A copy of the report was obtained by the Federation of American Scientists and posted on the group's Web site Thursday.