Navy taps BAE Systems for engineering help in developing future SLCM-N nuclear-armed cruise missile
WASHINGTON – U.S. Navy nuclear weapons experts needed engineering help in developing the Navy's future Nuclear-Armed, Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N). They found a solution from the BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services segment in Rockville, Md.
Officials of the Strategic Systems Programs office in Washington announced an $8 million order last week for SLCM-N technical engineering and integrated facilities acquisition and engineering.
The SLCM-N nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile is to counter the Russian and Chinese nuclear threat. It will be launched from surface ships or attack submarines, and not from ballistic missile submarines.
Nuclear deterrence
Although the U.S. deployed these missiles on attack submarines during the Cold War, they were removed from service and retired by 2010. The decision to reintroduce the SLCM-N was based on the expansion of Russian and Chinese regional nuclear forces, experts say.
Russia, for example has abut 2,000 nuclear-capable missiles that could launch from the sea, while China has about 1,000 similar nuclear-capable missiles.
The SLCM-N submarine- and ship-launched cruise missile would be the first new U.S. nuclear weapon since the end of the Cold War. Congress approved funding for SLCM-N in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. The new sea-launched nuclear missile is to be operational by 2034.
Modified missiles
Experts say planners should examine the suitability of existing missiles, or those under development. Congress mandates the new missile to come from modifications to existing or planned missiles, rather than starting new development.
The AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon (LRSO), a nuclear-armed air-launched cruise missile under development by RTX Raytheon, for example, may be adaptable for use on a submarine, experts say. The Navy also should consider the latest versions of the sea-launched Tomahawk missile for potential adaptation to the SLCM-N program.
For more information contact BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services online at www.baesystems.com, or the Strategic Systems Programs office at www.ssp.navy.mil.
John Keller | Editor-in-Chief
John Keller is the Editor-in-Chief, Military & Aerospace Electronics Magazine--provides extensive coverage and analysis of enabling electronics and optoelectronic technologies in military, space and commercial aviation applications. John has been a member of the Military & Aerospace Electronics staff since 1989 and chief editor since 1995.
