Strategic Missile Systems Equip

The Strategic Missile Systems Equipment (LI 5358) program is a critical component of the Navy's budget, supporting the procurement, modernization, and sustainment of the shipboard subsystems and shore-based support equipment for the Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program, specifically for the TRIDENT II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) and the upcoming COLUMBIA Class SSBNs. The overarching goal is to ensure the continued reliability, effectiveness, and modernization of the Strategic Weapons System (SWS) that underpins the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. This line item funds a broad range of activities, including the procurement of hardware, software, test equipment, facility maintenance, and training systems necessary to support deployed SSBNs and shore installations.

Other Material Support encompasses the procurement of general and special purpose test equipment, launcher expendables, navigation principal items, and missile checkout equipment. For FY 2026, this includes the acquisition of Gas Generator (GG) case hardware, which is essential for missile ejection during launches, and Ballast Transport Fixtures (BTFs) to support the extended service life of SSBNs. The procurement strategy for GGs has shifted to alternate year buys to optimize production and testing costs. Capital maintenance at the Naval Industrial Reserve Ordnance Plant (NIROP) in Pittsfield, MA is also funded to ensure the continued operation of critical infrastructure supporting SWS production and sustainment.

Alterations funding supports the periodic refresh and modernization of non-flying tactical hardware, primarily through the Shipboard System Integration (SSI) program. The SSI program utilizes a Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) based strategy to integrate common electronics across fire control, launcher, and navigation subsystems, ensuring the SWS remains reliable throughout the extended service life of the OHIO Class and serves as the baseline for the COLUMBIA Class. SSI Increment 8 replaces the aging Electrostatic Gyro Navigator (ESGN) and updates navigation subsystem software. SSI Increment 11 and 13 address launcher and fire control system refreshes, while SSI Increment 15 focuses on pre- and post-configuration support for these upgrades, especially as they relate to the COLUMBIA Class baseline.

The Shipboard Systems Modernization Portfolio (SSMP) is a major modernization initiative managed by Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). SSMP is structured in four elements: Advance Development and Technology Maturation, Shipboard Re-Architecture Design, Obsolescence Management, and Continuous Capability Insertion (C2IS). The program aims to transition shipboard systems to a modern, scalable, and cyber-resilient architecture, leveraging general purpose and deterministic computing infrastructures and modern data architectures. This approach is intended to enable rapid capability insertion, address obsolescence, and support emerging technologies such as D5LE2 and Mk7/W93, ensuring adaptability to evolving threats and strategic requirements.

Training Support Equipment provides procurement and alteration of both tactical and non-tactical equipment for submarine training facilities. These facilities are essential for training personnel in the operation and maintenance of SWS subsystems, including launcher, fire control, navigation, and missile checkout systems. Funding is allocated to ensure that training simulators and laboratories remain current with the latest tactical equipment configurations, especially as new alterations and life extension efforts are implemented.

COLUMBIA Class support within this line item funds the procurement of trainer equipment and execution of the Trident Planned Equipment Replacement Program (TRIPER). This includes the development, procurement, installation, and testing of the Strategic Weapon Support System (SWSS) trainer equipment suite, which is essential for crew training and certification as the COLUMBIA Class SSBNs enter service. Funding also covers TRIPER spares and industrial plant equipment, reflecting updated cost estimates and inflationary pressures.