Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Advanced Technology Development

The PE 0603160BR: Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Advanced Technology Development program, managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), is a multi-faceted research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) effort aimed at advancing technologies and capabilities to counter weapons of mass destruction (CWMD). The program's overarching goal is to provide the Department of Defense (DoD) and Combatant Commands with innovative, effective, and agile solutions to detect, defeat, and mitigate threats posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. The program is structured into several distinct projects, each with specific objectives and focus areas, supporting both urgent operational requirements and long-term strategic needs.

RA: CWMD Cross-Cutting Technical and Information Sciences focuses on providing continuous technical expertise and rapid response support to U.S. and allied CWMD mission partners. This project develops and maintains advanced modeling and simulation capabilities to assess the consequences of WMD events. It delivers 24/7 technical reachback, data integration, and visualization tools to enhance situational awareness and operational planning. The project rapidly prototypes software applications and data science solutions to illuminate and disrupt WMD procurement and proliferation networks, supporting both immediate and emerging theater requirements. It also supports international cooperation by developing technologies suitable for foreign release and integrates advanced analytics to support decision-making.

RD: Nuclear Technologies and Capabilities Development is dedicated to advancing detection, attribution, and survivability technologies related to nuclear threats. This project develops radiation detection systems, modeling tools, and standards to improve the DoD's ability to detect, localize, and characterize nuclear and radiological threats. It supports operational planning and strategic system design by delivering validated models and standards for nuclear effects, including electromagnetic pulse (EMP), blast, and radiation environments. The project collaborates with U.S. Space Command and U.S. Space Force to assess and mitigate risks to space-based assets. It also supports arms control initiatives by researching verification and monitoring technologies, delivering modular radiation sensors, updated military standards, and enhanced modeling capabilities for nuclear events and infrastructure.

RG: CWMD Technologies and Capabilities Development encompasses research and development of offensive and defensive technologies to counter WMD threats, with a particular focus on supporting Combatant Commands and U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This project develops advanced weapon concepts, defeat technologies, and rapid capability delivery mechanisms to address urgent and emergent threats, including hybrid warfare scenarios. It integrates technical reconnaissance, weapons effects modeling, and life science research to improve target assessment and defeat planning. Efforts include the development of immersive mission planning tools, automated target development using 3D models, and additive manufacturing of energetic materials. The project transitions novel detection and countermeasure technologies, such as autonomous robots and advanced sensing payloads, to operational units.

RR: CWMD Test and Evaluation provides national-level test capabilities for simulated WMD facilities and processes, supporting end-to-end test event planning, execution, and analysis. This project ensures the availability of state-of-the-art test instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and modeling tools to validate new CWMD technologies and operational concepts. It conducts full-scale and sub-scale testing of weapon-target interactions, focusing on hardened and deeply buried targets. The project manages extensive test data archives, develops new diagnostic and visualization tools, and supports operational assessments for Combatant Commands and other government agencies. Infrastructure modernization and the development of new test capabilities are ongoing priorities to maintain relevance to emerging threats.

Across all projects, the program emphasizes rapid prototyping, transition of capabilities to operational users, and integration of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to enhance detection, assessment, and response to WMD threats. Realignments and funding adjustments within the program reflect evolving priorities, such as increased investment in nuclear survivability analysis, directed energy weapon threat assessments, and arms control verification technologies. The acquisition strategy centers on selecting the best performers to meet specific military capability needs, ensuring that developmental efforts are responsive to both immediate operational demands and future strategic challenges.