Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Product Improvement

The Combating Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Product Improvement program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0607101A, is a Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) initiative managed by the U.S. Army. The primary goal of this program is to support obsolescence management efforts for chemical, radiological, and biological detection and protection systems used by warfighters. The program focuses on maintaining and improving the operational effectiveness of multiple programs of record, with particular emphasis on the Radiological Detection System (RDS).

Radiological Detection System (RDS) development is the central line item within this budget element. The RDS is designed to replace the legacy radiation detection, indication, and computation (RADIAC) systems currently fielded by Joint Services. Its objective is to consolidate radiation detection capabilities into a single, joint-use solution. The RDS consists of a handheld base unit capable of beta and gamma detection, accompanied by six specialized probes. It also integrates geolocation functionality via a Global Positioning System (GPS) interface and is network-ready, supporting interoperability with Army radios.

The RDS program incorporates lessons learned from Operation TOMODACHI, emphasizing common measurements, standardized equipment, and sufficient sensitivity for operational needs. The overarching goal is to provide warfighters with a unified capability to detect, identify, and calculate total exposure to various radiation types. By consolidating these functions, the program aims to reduce acquisition and sustainment costs across the Joint Services, leveraging economies of scale and commonality.

For Fiscal Year (FY) 2026, the CWMD Product Improvement line supports mandatory testing activities for the RDS. These activities are focused on validating the interoperability of the RDS with Army radios, specifically achieving Key Performance Parameter (KPP) 3 for Net Ready compliance. This testing is essential for ensuring that the RDS can operate seamlessly within the Army's communications infrastructure and meet joint operational requirements.

The program's acquisition strategy relies on support from Other Government Agencies (OGAs) through Military Interdepartmental Purchase Requests (MIPRs) to execute test and interoperability requirements. The Chemical Biological Center (CBC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, provides government team labor, while the Operational Test Command (OTC) is responsible for interoperability testing and follow-on operational test and evaluation (FOT&E) activities. These efforts are scheduled to occur from the second quarter of FY2025 through the fourth quarter of FY2026.

In FY2025, funding was directed toward RDS development, primarily to address radio interoperability. The decrease in funding for FY2026 reflects the completion of scheduled interoperability activities and a narrowing of the testing scope. The program management support and product development costs are modest, with the majority of funding directed toward test and evaluation to ensure the RDS meets operational and technical requirements.

The CWMD Product Improvement program's objectives are to sustain and enhance the Army's ability to detect and respond to weapons of mass destruction threats. By focusing on obsolescence management and the development of the Radiological Detection System, the program aims to provide a cost-effective, interoperable, and technologically advanced solution for joint service use. This approach is intended to improve force protection and mission readiness in environments where chemical, biological, or radiological hazards may be present.