Chemical and Biological Weapons Elimination Technology Improvement

The ChemBio Weapons Elimination Technology Improvement program, overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, aims to enhance the Department of Defense's ability to assess and destroy chemical and biological weapons. This initiative supports U.S. treaty obligations and strategic guidance, ensuring a resilient Joint Force capable of addressing both domestic and foreign threats. It focuses on maintaining a comprehensive capability to manage chemical warfare materials, even after the completion of the U.S. chemical stockpile destruction through the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternatives program.

A primary objective is to advance research and development activities that aid in assessing, disabling, and destroying chemical and biological weapons. By investing in technology improvements, the program seeks to prevent adversaries from acquiring or using these weapons. It also aims to provide credible options for eliminating critical capabilities that could pose significant threats, thereby demonstrating potential costs to any actor considering the use of weapons of mass destruction.

The program emphasizes upgrading existing systems used in field operations for assessing and destroying chemical and biological materials. This includes integrating operational prototypes into current systems and conducting necessary tests and evaluations. It supports various activities such as research studies, assessments, and capability development projects essential for modernizing defense capabilities against chemical and biological threats.

Strategic investments are made to address capability gaps identified by the Services, combat support agencies, defense agencies, and the U.S. Recovered Chemical Warfare Material Executive Agent. By prioritizing projects that fulfill validated requirements, resources are allocated effectively to meet national defense strategy priorities. The overarching goal is to prepare the Joint Force for future operating environments where adversary possession of weapons of mass destruction could limit U.S. strategic options.