Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction Systems Development

The Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Systems Development program element, managed by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), is focused on advancing technologies and systems to support the Department of Defense's mission to counter the proliferation and use of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), particularly nuclear threats. The program's primary objectives include the development and demonstration of modeling and simulation capabilities, verification and monitoring technologies, and decision support systems that enhance strategic and operational planning for U.S. and allied forces. This program is funded under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation, Defense-Wide appropriation, specifically in the System Development & Demonstration (SDD) budget activity.

Enhanced Consequence Analysis (ECA) is a key component of the CWMD Systems Development program. Its goal is to improve the reliability and effectiveness of nuclear weapon effects (NWE) decision support tools, which are used for strategic and operational planning by U.S. and allied warfighters. The ECA program supports requirements for integrated strategic planning, including the development of nuclear and conventional force application plans. In FY 2025 and FY 2026, ECA will focus on integrating infrastructure impact capabilities into cloud-ready nuclear planning tools for U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), the UK Ministry of Defense, and NATO's Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). The program also aims to implement advanced algorithms for infrasound propagation models and complete operational test and evaluation of next-generation radionuclide lab analysis capabilities.

Nuclear Arms Control Technologies (NACT) is another major line item within this program element. NACT's objectives are to enhance the sustainability, reliability, and effectiveness of nuclear detonation detection stations and laboratories that form the U.S. portion of the International Monitoring System (IMS). These capabilities support continuous data delivery to the U.S. and international monitoring and verification communities, enabling timely nuclear-event response and treaty monitoring.

Planned activities for FY 2026 include transitioning the 32nd IMS station into operational status, developing multi-mission monitoring capabilities, and starting the testing and evaluation of next-generation radionuclide particulate samplers and noble gas analysis systems to improve detection and attribution of nuclear detonations.

Nuclear Capabilities Services (NuCS) is tasked with improving modeling and simulation of nuclear weapon effects environments and simulating system and network responses to these effects. NuCS builds on legacy codes from the DoD nuclear testing program and integrates higher-fidelity models developed through DTRA's applied research. The program provides standardized NWE modeling and simulation capabilities for all DoD users, with annual user reviews and updates to ensure relevance and accuracy.

For FY 2026, NuCS will continue integration testing and release updated products, expanding analytic capabilities for targeting and planning, particularly for USSTRATCOM and allied partners.

Nuclear, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and high-Explosive (NCBRE) Analysis Toolset (NATs) development is also supported under this program element. NATs aims to deliver decision support tool capabilities that integrate nuclear, chemical, biological, radiological, and high-explosive effects into operational planning. The program conducts ongoing validation and verification (V&V) for production releases and early user assessments to ensure the toolset meets evolving requirements. Training materials are reviewed and updated annually to reflect changes in tool capabilities and user needs.

The acquisition strategy for the CWMD Systems Development program leverages a mix of government, academic, and industry performers, selected based on best-fit criteria for each task. Common awardees include DoD Service Laboratories, Department of Energy National Laboratories, and private sector contractors such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Applied Research Associates, and Leidos. This approach ensures access to specialized expertise and resources necessary for advancing complex nuclear monitoring and modeling technologies.

The CWMD Systems Development program element is designed to strengthen U.S. and allied capabilities for nuclear event planning, detection, monitoring, and response. By investing in advanced modeling, simulation, and sensor technologies, the program supports national security objectives, arms control verification, and crisis preparedness. The FY 2026 budget reflects a continued commitment to these goals, with adjustments for inflation and efficiency initiatives in line with Executive Order 14222, which seeks to improve government cost efficiency and reduce discretionary travel and advisory service contracts.