The United States is preparing to decide on the design of new nuclear warheads to gradually replace its outdated, Cold War-era weapons.

The Washington Post reports Saturday that the nation's nuclear security agency will decide later this year between designs by two different companies for nuclear warheads capable of remote control disarmament in case they fall into the hands of terrorists.

The new warheads are expected to be based on existing technology, meaning there would be no need for underground testing.

The head of the National Nuclear Security Administration told the Post that the warhead redesign is part of a larger program to consolidate nuclear facilities in nearly a dozen U.S. states.

Officials are set to review design proposals in November. Congress must then debate and approve their decision.