Nuclear Matters-Physical Security

The Nuclear Matters Management Support program, managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, is designed to ensure the continued credibility, safety, security, resiliency, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent. Its mission is to deter adversaries, assure allies and partners, and achieve U.S. objectives if deterrence fails. The program serves as the Department of Defense's focal point for the modernization and sustainment of the nuclear weapons stockpile, as well as for addressing nuclear counter-terrorism and counter-proliferation issues. Funding supports research, development, test, and evaluation efforts, studies, and analyses related to nuclear weapons modernization, sustainment, security, use control, stockpile safety, and survivability requirements.

Nuclear Integration and Risk Management is a key line item within the program, focused on implementing a portfolio management framework for nuclear forces as required by the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Led by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs, this initiative utilizes advanced data analytics, enterprise risk management, and modeling/simulation tools to inform decisions by the Nuclear Weapons Council and the Nuclear Deputy's Management Action Group. Objectives include improving understanding of the nuclear enterprise's health, identifying fiscal and schedule opportunities in modernization, enhancing supply chain management, and mitigating strategic gaps, especially in relation to threats from Russia and China.

Nuclear Weapons Council (NWC) activities facilitate coordination between the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration for nuclear weapons stockpile management. The NWC oversees joint committees and working groups focused on advanced capabilities, budget certification, and technical aspects such as aeroshells. The council's work ensures statutory compliance and supports the transition from legacy Cold War systems to modern replacements. These efforts affect national security decisions well into the future.

Nuclear Surety oversight is provided by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Matters, addressing the unique risks associated with nuclear weapons and systems. The program directs actions under various DoD directives and instructions covering transportation, command and control, safety, security, personnel reliability, and physical security. It also addresses emerging threats such as cybersecurity and supply chain vulnerabilities. Oversight of nuclear weapon incident exercises is conducted in coordination with other U.S. agencies and NATO partners to ensure readiness and resilience.

Nuclear Incident Response and International Programs focus on policy and technical support for responding to nuclear accidents and incidents, in line with Presidential Policy Directive 35 and related DoD directives. The program coordinates with federal agencies and NATO allies through the High Level Group, supporting international cooperation to promote safety, security, stockpile stewardship, and counter-proliferation. It manages U.S. participation in international agreements and ensures that overseas nuclear weapon safety, security, and survivability issues are addressed collaboratively.

Stockpile Planning and Decision Making addresses the long-term safety, security, and reliability of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile, especially as legacy warheads age and technical challenges emerge. The program manages life cycle activities for key warhead types and supports studies for warhead replacement. These efforts are guided by joint DoD-DOE directives to ensure the stockpile meets national security needs and remains responsive to technical and strategic developments.

Nuclear Matters Technical Support and Research and Development Oversight, Risk Management, and PPBE Support provide operational, technical, and administrative support for the NWC and its subordinate bodies. This includes preparing mandated reports to Congress and the President, managing classification and declassification requests, and supporting program management, evaluation, and resourcing functions for physical security and nuclear forensics programs. The program also assists with Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution processes, ensuring integrated risk management and coordination across the nuclear enterprise to maximize efficiency and avoid duplication of effort.