Counterproliferation Advanced Development

The Counterproliferation Advanced Development program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense under Program Element (PE) 0305310D8Z, is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) initiative focused on advancing capabilities to counter weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The program directly supports the 2025 Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance, which emphasizes peace through strength, deterrence, and military modernization. Its primary objective is to develop and field new technologies and operational capabilities that enable the Department of Defense (DoD) to deter, disrupt, degrade, delay, deny, and defeat adversary nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, associated delivery platforms, command and control systems, and hardened or deeply buried targets.

Counterproliferation Advanced Development (Project 813) is the sole line item under this program element and is structured to deliver operationally-ready offensive counterproliferation capabilities to specialized units, particularly those assigned to the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), as well as units within the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Central Command (CENTCOM), and European Command (EUCOM). The project's goals include transitioning multiple classified capabilities to operations and sustainment, supporting Combatant Commands such as USSOCOM, INDOPACOM, Strategic Command (STRATCOM), and Cyber Command (CYBERCOM). These capabilities are intended to provide both overt and discreet options for counterproliferation and CWMD operations, enhancing the Joint Force's ability to respond to emerging WMD threats.

The program is designed to close critical warfighter capability gaps, with a particular focus on the defense of Taiwan and the U.S. homeland. It employs an annual investment strategy to rapidly address emergent operational requirements validated by the Joint Force, with the aim of fielding new capabilities within one to two years. The program funds a range of activities, including labor, materials, and travel, and supports RDT&E, assessments and analyses, research studies, education, and other activities related to capability development and fielding.

Key areas of investment include nuclear modernization, homeland missile defense, one-way attack autonomous systems, critical cybersecurity, and counter-small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) initiatives.

The acquisition strategy for Counterproliferation Advanced Development is managed by the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Threat Reduction and Arms Control (ODASD(TRAC)). Annual priorities are established based on national and DoD strategies and Administration guidance. Project proposals are solicited from Combatant Commands, Military Services, and Defense Agencies, and must meet criteria such as a validated requirement, an engaged requirement champion, a viable acquisition strategy, and a qualified program management office. Projects are typically executed over a 12-24 month period, with a focus on transitioning mature prototypes and systems to fielded capabilities.

Specific accomplishments and planned activities for FY 2024 through FY 2026 include the continued transition of classified, operationally-ready counterproliferation capabilities to specialized units, the maturation of prototypes and systems for test and evaluation by end-users, and the provision of flexible options for counterproliferation operations. The program also supports operational decision-making for CWMD missions across the DoD and U.S. government.

Funding adjustments in recent years have been made to align with shifting National Defense Strategy priorities, resulting in a temporary reduction in the number of new counter-WMD capabilities fielded annually until funding is restored to previous levels.

The program's funding supports partnerships with the Services to develop advanced prototypes and fielded capabilities, as well as direct support to Geographic Combatant Commands and their components. It also includes efforts to continue the maturation of prototypes and components for further testing and transition to other classified projects. The schedule for these activities spans from the first quarter of FY 2024 through the fourth quarter of FY 2026, reflecting the program's emphasis on rapid development and fielding of new capabilities in response to evolving threats.