ICBM Fuze Modernization

Mission — ICBM FUZE SUPPORT source

The Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Fuze Modernization Program has designed and currently producing a functionally equivalent replacement for the current Mk21 fuze that will provide a 20-year threshold, 30-year objective design life. Currently available Mk21/W87-0 fuze quantities do not meet United States Strategic Command's (USSTRATCOM) requirements and the current fuze is three times beyond its original ten year design life. The program will provide needed Minuteman III (MMIII) weapon system modifications, system testing, support/test equipment, data and training required to accommodate, field, and support the new Mk21 replacement fuze along with the W87-0 warhead as defined in the Air Force Global Strike Command's (AFGSC) Requirements Traceability Memo dated 2 December 2013. In addition, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) signed the program's JROC Memorandum validating the operational requirement for the program on 6 December 2016. A replacement Mk21/W87-0 fuze is urgently required to meet warfighter requirements and to ensure operational capability. The Mk21 reentry vehicle and fuze is designed to be deployed on the current MMIII and LGM-35A Sentinel weapon systems. The US Air Force (USAF) developed the modernized Mk21 fuze using the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) complex and a weapons system integration contractor. The DOE/NNSA complex consists of Sandia National Labs-California (SNL-CA), Sandia National Labs-New Mexico (SNL-NM) and Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC). The ICBM Fuze Modernization program leveraged technologies, parts, components, and development/production capabilities resulting from extensive fuze work performed by the US Navy (USN) and DOE/NNSA on the Mk5/W88 Alt 370 Fuze program. The Radar Module is the only common Major Component with Mk5/W88 Alt 370. The Pathlength Module, Thermal Battery Assembly, Missile Interface Controller Module, Launch Safety Device, Terminal Protection Device, and the Firing Set Interface Module share piece parts with the Mk5/W88 Alt 370 Firing Set, but are specific to the Mk21 Fuze. The ICBM Fuze Modernization Program replacement fuze is designed to integrate into the MMIII and the LGM-35A Sentinel weapon systems, to include support/ test equipment, data, flight test hardware, and training materials. The program conducted required system testing (including ground and flight tests). The program is coordinating Mk21 fuze replacement development efforts with the DOE/NNSA to synchronize USAF arming and fuze development activities with DOE/NNSA warhead requirements. When prudent, the program will conduct trade studies and initiate conceptual designs to address operational system issues and meet future requirements. The Fiscal Year 2026 budget request continues efforts to develop digital models and integrating the Fuze Mod into the MMIII and LGM-35A Sentinel weapon systems. As a cooperative USAF, USN, and DOE/NNSA acquisition, the USAF is executing the program using Department of Defense (DoD) Manual 5030.55 Joint Nuclear Weapons Life Cycle Activities (Phase 6.x process) while using the DOD 5000-Series instructions to meet Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) statutory and regulatory requirements. The DOE/NNSA phase 6.x process is an iterative process that drives overlap and concurrency between activities and events that occur during the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) and Production and Deployment phases of the DoD 5000-Series Instruction. The program entered Phase 6.5 First Production on 6 March 2024. The first flight test was performed in FY 2019, the second flight test was performed in FY 2020, the third in FY 2022, and the final flight test was completed on 4 June 2024. The program was approved to enter Full Rate Production on 21 November 2024. The program is tailored to use the Joint Department of Defense - Department of Energy Phase 6.x processes for routine nuclear stockpile activities to align with USN and DOE/NNSA operations. The next phase will be 6.6 Full Scale Production. Program plans to enter Phase 6.6 during 3QFY2025. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, and 0606398F. In FY 2024, 0.000M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025, 0.000M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. FY 2025 RDT&E funding for PE 0604933F, ICBM Fuze Modernization, is in compliance with budgeted end items per the approved test strategy and FY 2024 Omnibus, Sec. 8059. The FY 2026 request was reduced by 0.583 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This program is in Budget Activity 5, System Development and Demonstration (SDD) because it has passed Milestone B approval and is conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full rate production.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (2)