PATHFINDER – a Tool to Support Acquisition Path Analysis and State-Level Safeguards Approach Development

Volume: 68, December 2026, pages 9 - 14

Authors: A. Vincze ^a, R. Mesojedec ^a, M. Ruch ^b, K. Sylvester ^a

^a International Atomic Energy Agency, Department of Safeguards, Vienna International Centre, Vienna, Austria, A-1400
^b Los Alamos National Laboratory, Safeguards Science and Technology Group (NEN-1), Los Alamos, USA
 

Abstract: Implementation of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards under the State-level concept is based on the development of a State-level safeguards approach (SLA) for each individual State. In order to improve the consistency of SLA development, the SLA Improvement Project was initiated. As part of this effort, an IT tool called Pathfinder has been developed. The new tool allows a State Evaluation Group (SEG) to conduct an acquisition path analysis (APA) and apply IAEA acquisition path coverage goals in a standard manner. Technical objectives for the detection of individual steps on a path are assigned performance targets to meet these path coverage goals using Pathfinder. Pathfinder also provides the SEG with a set of frequencies and intensities of safeguards measures and activities needed as a minimum to meet the corresponding performance targets. The paper describes in detail the specific features and the related functionalities of the tool.

Reference guideline: Vincze, A., Mesojedec, R.,Ruch M., Sylvester, K. (2026). PATHFINDER – a Tool to Support Acquisition Path Analysis
and State-Level Safeguards Approach Development, ESARDA Bulletin - The International Journal of Nuclear
Safeguards and Non-proliferation, 68,9-14. https://doi.org/10.3011/ESARDA.IJNSNP.2026.2