Conventional Munitions Demilitarization

The Conventional Munitions Demilitarization program, detailed in Line Item 4099EP1700 of the FY 2026 Army budget, is designed to provide for the safe and compliant demilitarization and disposal of unserviceable, obsolete, or excess conventional ammunition and missiles across all U.S. military services. The program is executed in accordance with Department of Defense Directive 5160.65 and Instruction 5160.68, with a primary focus on resource recovery and recycling (R3), as well as the use of open burning/open detonation (OB/OD) and closed disposal technologies (CDT). The goal is to reduce stockpiles of aging and potentially hazardous munitions, thereby enhancing safety, environmental compliance, and storage efficiency for new munitions.

The program is managed by the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) and supports demilitarization operations both within the Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), including facilities in Japan and commercial contractors in the European Union. For FY 2026, the program aims to demilitarize thousands of tons of conventional ammunition and missile components. Operations are conducted at a mix of Government Owned, Government Operated (GOGO) facilities, Government Owned, Contractor Operated (GOCO) sites, and through commercial contracts, ensuring flexibility and capacity to address the diverse range of munitions in the stockpile.

The largest component of the program focuses on the demilitarization of conventional ammunition managed by the SMCA. Activities include the disposal of various munitions types such as depleted uranium cartridges, 155mm high explosive projectiles, anti-personnel landmines, cluster bomb units, small arms ammunition, and rocket motors. The objective is to reduce the inventory of obsolete or unsafe munitions, mitigate safety and environmental risks, and free up storage space for new production. The program emphasizes resource recovery and recycling wherever possible, and includes significant costs for transportation, technical support, and international operations.

Another line item addresses the demilitarization needs of non-Army services, including the Navy and Air Force. It covers the disposal of torpedoes, sonobuoys, cluster bombs, high explosive bombs, and depleted uranium cartridges, among others. The objective is to provide a centralized, efficient demilitarization capability for munitions that fall outside the SMCA's direct responsibility, ensuring all services can safely dispose of hazardous or obsolete items. This supports joint readiness and compliance with federal safety and environmental standards.

One component focuses on the demilitarization of Army-specific missile systems and their components. Key objectives include the safe disposal of Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) components, TOW missiles, Hellfire, Stinger, Patriot, and Honest John missiles, as well as associated rocket motors and missile components. The program also invests in process improvements to enhance the safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance of demilitarization operations. Transportation and program management costs are included to support the movement and oversight of these activities.

Another line item supports the demilitarization of missile systems and components managed by non-Army services. It includes the disposal of high explosive missiles, rocket motors, missile components, Maverick missiles, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. The objective is to reduce the risk associated with aging missile stockpiles, ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and support the broader Department of Defense goal of maintaining a safe and modernized munitions inventory.