Pakistan's military says 8,000 additional personnel are being trained to help defend the country's nuclear arsenal “at all costs.”

A top official with Pakistan's nuclear security apparatus, known as Strategic Plans Division, said extensive resources have been made available to train, equip and deploy a security force to meet any type of threat to Pakistan's nuclear assets and installations.

Major General Muhammad Tahir told trainee graduates Sunday that every step should be taken to make the country's nuclear arsenal “impregnable.”

The military statement comes just days after a report in the U.S. magazine the Atlantic quoting U.S. and Pakistani officials saying Pakistan transports nuclear weapon components in civilian-style vehicles with little security in order to avoid detection.

U.S. officials have expressed concerns about Pakistan's nuclear weapons falling into the hands of Islamist militants.

But Pakistani officials have repeatedly dismissed those fears, saying the country's arsenal is safe.

During Sunday's ceremony, 700 new security personnel graduated and joined the force tasked with protecting Pakistan's nuclear weapons.

Major General Tahir said the group comprises hand-picked officers and men who are “physically robust, mentally sharp and equipped with modern technology and equipment.”