Strategic Sub & Weapons System Support

The Strategic Submarine & Weapon Systems Support program is essential to the Navy's deterrence mission, concentrating on the Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) system. This initiative is vital for maintaining the survivability and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent, which supports global military operations and national defense strategies. Key objectives include modernizing nuclear deterrents and ensuring the safety and security of these weapons systems.

The Joint Warhead Fuze Sustainment Program focuses on enhancing the reliability and security of Arming, Fuzing, and Firing (AF&F) systems for nuclear reentry systems. It supports modifications to extend the life of the W88/MK5 system beyond its original design lifespan. The program also facilitates future component utilization by the U.S. Air Force and United Kingdom, with development concluding in FY 2023.

The Mk4B Shape Stable Nose Tip project aims to convert legacy carbon composite nose tips to more advanced Shape Stable Nose Tips (SSNTs). This involves extensive testing, documentation updates, software modifications, and logistics planning to ensure fleet implementation. The project's development phase concluded in FY 2023, marking a significant step in enhancing reentry body performance.

Technical Applications Programs include efforts like D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2), which modernizes the TRIDENT II D5 Strategic Weapons System to support future COLUMBIA Class submarines. This modernization addresses component obsolescence and leverages new technologies to ensure system adaptability through the 2080s. Additionally, Systems Engineering Modeling and Simulation efforts provide comprehensive evaluation capabilities for integrated systems within operational environments.

The W93/Mk7 project is focused on developing a new warhead variant for TRIDENT missiles, addressing risks associated with aging systems while enhancing manufacturing capabilities within the defense industrial base. This initiative aligns with national priorities to strengthen domestic manufacturing and reduce foreign dependencies. The project progresses through feasibility studies and design options to support future production needs.

The Integrated Nuclear Weapons Security System Development aims to enhance security measures for nuclear weapons through technological advancements in surveillance and cybersecurity. These efforts focus on mitigating risks from unmanned systems and cyber threats while ensuring robust protection against unauthorized access to critical security systems.