Strategic Sub & Weapons System Support

Mission — Strategic Sub & Wpns Sys Supt source

The Strategic Submarine & Weapon Systems Support program element directly supports the Navy's deterrence mission, specifically the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM). The SLBM is comprised of several key sub-systems, including launcher, navigation, missile, guidance, fire control, re-entry, platform integration, and instrumentation components. Nuclear Weapons Surety is also a critical element to safeguarding nuclear weapons within the Department of Defense. The SLBM accounts for approximately 70 percent of the deployable nuclear inventory, is the most survivable leg of the triad and foundational to the nation's deterrence strategy. Nuclear deterrence underwrites every U.S. military operation and capability on the globe and serves as the backstop for both our national defense and the defense of our allies. The nation's nuclear triad serves as the bedrock of our ability to deter aggression, assure our allies and partners, achieve U.S. objectives should deterrence fail, and hedge against an uncertain future.

Mission — Technical Applications Programs source

Trident II D5 Modernization (D5LE2): The Trident II D5LE2 program is essential to modernize the submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The current D5LE system, deployed on OHIO-class submarines, will be insufficient for the COLUMBIA class throughout its service life (through 2084) due to aging components and obsolescence. D5LE2 will address these issues by providing a modernized SLBM system with the range and accuracy of the current system, while also incorporating adaptability and resilience to meet evolving threats from peer adversaries. This ensures a credible and survivable sea-based deterrent for decades to come. The D5LE2 program, a subprogram of the original Trident II D5/D5LE, will focus on key system upgrades including architecture, avionics, guidance, flight structures, and post-boost controls. While leveraging existing viable components like rocket motors, the program will prioritize developing critical technologies such as radiation-hardened electronics, advanced guidance systems, and post-boost controls using high refractory metals. A modular architecture will allow integration of current and future technologies, maximizing the long-term effectiveness and adaptability of the Trident II system. Continued funding for D5LE2 into FY 2026 is crucial to avoid capability gaps and support the COLUMBIA-class deployment timeline. Specifically, FY 2026 funding will enable the maturation of critical technologies necessary for long-lead material procurement. This investment represents the single greatest risk mitigation factor for the program, ensuring key technologies are ready for integration. This phased approach to technology development, accounting for component complexity, is vital for the timely and effective modernization of this critical element of national security. System Evaluation RDT&E will decrease as system level requirements and architecture efforts complete in FY 2026 with stable technical baselines for subsystem development and procurement to execute going forward. FY 2026 Threat & Risk-Informed Advanced Development (TRIAD) R&D: The Threat & Risk-Informed Advanced Development program is established in FY 2026 to leverage technological advancements, coordinate advanced research across stakeholders, and collaborate with government and industry partners to identify and outpace future threats to the nation's Sea-based Strategic Deterrent. Specific RDT&EN investments will aim to (1) preserve Trident II D5LE missile strategic weapon system (SWS) survivability against current and future threats; (2) respond to warfighter demands at the speed of relevance by enhancing effectiveness and capabilities in accordance with USSTRATCOM and Navy priorities; and (3) ensure the sustainment of the SWS demonstrated performance through 2084. Between 1955 and 1990, consistent investment in Research and Development (R&D) fueled the success of the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) through a series of development and production programs. However, unlike previous transitions between SLBM systems (A1, A2, A3, C3, C4), development of a Trident D5 follow-on was not immediately initiated. This resulted in a significant decline in R&D funding for submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) systems in the early 1990s. Additionally as the U.S. shifted towards a nuclear force sustainment paradigm, investments in advanced delivery system capabilities to counter emerging threats were curtailed. Consequently, the pipeline for developing cutting-edge technologies has weakened considerably. This gap in R&D investment has led current programs, often risk-averse and schedule-driven, to rely on maturing existing technology during acquisition, in an effort to manage risk. This approach can lead to deploying technologies that may not be sufficiently adaptable to future threats. Furthermore, this long-term reduction in R&D has resulted in a diminished workforce with the specialized skills necessary to address next-generation technical challenges. A robust technology maturation pipeline and a suitably skilled workforce are essential for mitigating high-risk factors across the entire nuclear enterprise, and their absence remains a significant concern. The work will be accomplished in categorical efforts managed and prioritized across Position and Accuracy, Advanced Materials, Expanded Launch Area, Increased Targeting Flexibility, Emerging Threats, and Supporting Infrastructure. Key stakeholders include but are not limited to the following: Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Missile Defense Agency, Naval Research Establishment, and others. The TRIAD project will identify and mature technologies from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 6 - 9 via relevant high fidelity laboratory environment, simulated operational environment, and operational test and evaluation under mission conditions.

Mission — W-93 / Mk 7 source

The W93/Mk7 warhead project (3097) will provide the US Navy with a third SLBM warhead variant, enhancing flexibility in managing the nuclear stockpile. Designed to meet STRATCOM requirements and maintain a credible sea-based deterrent, the W93/Mk7 incorporates advanced technology to address emerging threats. W93/Mk7 will provide opportunities to improve the current force by delivering the President flexible options to deter or limit conflict. The W93/Mk7 is being designed to allow for modifications if needed to adapt to the changing threat environment. This project also reinforces the US commitment to supporting the UK's independent nuclear deterrent. Critical early investments are required for the development of critical skills and recapitalization of the atrophied industrial base. The U.S. has not delivered an integrated ballistic reentry system since the 1980s. The program will align to the President's priority of strengthening our Nation's manufacturing and defense industrial base while improving supply chain resiliency and reducing reliance on foreign countries. In order to manage the development, production, maintenance, and retirement of W93/Mk7, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Energy (DOE) / National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) will utilize the DoD-DOE/NNSA Nuclear Weapons Lifecycle Process (Phase X). Phase X process is a joint effort which provides a common framework to conduct and manages phased activities: Phase 1 - Concept Assessment, Phase 2 - Feasibility Study and Design Options, Phase 2A - Design Definition and Cost Study, Phase 3 - Development Engineering, Phase 4 - Production Engineering, Phase 5 - First Production, Phase 6 - Full-Scale Production/Sustainment, Phase 7 - Retirement, Dismantlement, and Disposal. W93/Mk7 Program entered Phase 2A in March 2025. Progress and accomplishments achieved between Phase 1 and Phase 2A include the following: - Early efforts primarily consisted of developing programmatic planning and structure to support the future program along with further exploration and refinement of the concept studies that resulted from the Feasibility Management Team Study, which was directed in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review (NPR). Following the results of the Feasibility Management Team Study, refinement of the concept study was accomplished through system trade studies and initial high level requirements documents were drafted to support the program entering a Phase 2 (Feasibility Study and Design Options) / 2A (Design Definition and Cost Study). - As part of the Phase 1 analysis, U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs and the NNSA identified ways to reduce the overall burden on the Nation's weapons complex and nuclear enterprise facilities through innovative design and logistics planning. These changes to legacy planning factors resulted in significant cost reduction to the program's sustainment and lifecycle costs. - The development and submission of the Executive Report to the Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC) outlined analysis and findings from Phase 1, which served as the baseline for further analysis of refined and matured concept designs in Phase 2. - Identified necessary investments and aligned stakeholders on planned investments within the nuclear enterprise. - Developed draft military characteristics, stockpile to target sequence, and identified interdependencies between requirement drivers of DoD and DOE. - Developed initial nuclear enterprise assurance and supply chain protection considerations. - Drafted threat and vulnerability assessments, as well as safety, security, and use control architectures. - Phase 2A activities focus on flight tests, design work, and significant hardware component testing.

Mission — Integrated Nuclear Weapons Security Sys Dev source

This budget supports the development and fielding of new technologies across multiple domains - transit escort security, air, cyber, and underwater - to protect the nation's nuclear weapons against emerging threats, including uncrewed systems (UxS). Specifically, funding is allocated for research, development, and testing within these technological areas to upgrade security systems, improve the ability to deter, detect, delay, deny, and/or defeat adversaries, and ensure continuity between nuclear weapon security and operational missions. This is critical because the Integrated Nuclear Weapons Security Systems Development efforts directly support the Nuclear Weapons Surety (NWS) program and the Transit Protection Program (TPP), as outlined in DoDM S5210.41. Within the Department of the Navy, these efforts are focused on TRIDENT Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) deployed aboard Ballistic Missile submarines or stored at Strategic Weapons Facilities in Kings Bay and Bangor. The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) has assigned Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) the mission responsibility for safeguarding these FBM nuclear assets, including land-side and pier operations for storage, loading, and unloading, as well as security and protection of SSBNs during transit. Each of these environments presents unique security challenges to personnel and currently fielded NWS security systems, making these upgrades essential to SSP's responsibility to the Nuclear Deterrence Mission.

Mission — Congressional Adds source

Congressional adds to support: - Security monitoring at maritime chokepoints will evaluate a network of passive seismic and hydroacoustic phased arrays to determine its effectiveness in detecting, classifying, localizing, and tracking hostile submarines and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). This assessment should focus on the system's ability to counter covert threats posed to ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) while transiting critical maritime chokepoints or during port visits. - Next Generation Strategic Inertial Measurement Unit will research, develop and demonstrate radiation-hardened navigation technologies for reentry specific applications, strategic grade inertial instruments, software, electromechanical components and algorithms that exercise strategic skills and are applicable to the long-term viability of the nation's strategic grade guidance systems - Multimodal biometric authentication supports the investigation and development of biometric technology.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (11)