Counterproliferation Modernization

Abstract

This program supports the Department's initiatives to Deter Aggression, Defend the Homeland, Provide Nuclear Deterrence, and Build Sustainable and Long-Term Advantage. The Counterproliferation Modernization (formerly, Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Systems) research and development activities (RDAs) enhance DoD’s capabilities to campaign across the domains of threats and spectrums of conflict by: “improving our understanding of the operational environment – including in the information domain; sowing doubt among competitors that they would be able to achieve their objectives and conduct unattributed coercive actions; disrupting competitor actions that would afford them warfighting advantages; reinforcing our own warfighting advantages; and enhancing our interoperability and access to address acute forms of coercion" (2022 National Defense Strategy (NDS)). RDAs provide enhanced offensive Counterproliferation capabilities. The Counterproliferation Modernization portfolio enables DoD to prevent adversary development, acquisition, transfer, deployment, and use of weapons of mass destruction. Likewise, the portfolio’s investments deliver capabilities to “take action against actors of concern and reduce access to WMD development pathways” and “delays further development, degrades capabilities where possible, and, if necessary, prevents WMD use” (2022 DoD Strategy to Counter Weapons of Mass Destruction). The Counterproliferation Modernization portfolio is executing along cohesive lines of effort (LOEs) designed to prepare the Joint Force for a Future Operating Environment in which adversary pursuit or possession of WMDs pose threats ranging from existential to tactical, and limit U.S. strategic choices. These LOEs create unique options across the continuum of conflict, including exquisite tactical situational awareness, the ability to rapidly generate options, low visibility methods of maneuver, and the capability to employ immediate effects without diminishing future capabilities. These LOEs enable active campaigning to support Integrated Deterrence that mitigate risk to mission and risk to force. The Office of the Secretary of Defense uses the Counterproliferation Modernization portfolio to invest strategically in projects across the Military Services, Combatant Commands, and Defense Agencies. Funding is prioritized for projects that close Joint Force warfighter capability gaps. An annual investment strategy is used to meet emergent operational and capability needs validated by the Joint Force, yielding new fielded capabilities within one to two years. The CWMD Systems: Operational Systems Development program invests in upgrades of and enhancements to fielded systems that counter WMD proliferation. Funds are used for integration of operational prototypes into fielded systems, or other upgrades and enhancements, including any necessary test and evaluation. Investments modernize existing counter WMD capabilities within the Department of Defense to enhance the Joint Force’s lethality by upgrading and enhancing currently fielded systems. Upgraded capabilities illuminate WMD networks; exploit vulnerabilities in networks, programs, facilities, and weapons systems; and disable or defeat WMD and their delivery systems. This program funds labor, materials, and travel requirements, performed by a government agency or by private individuals or organizations under a contract with the government, for activities and acquisitions including RDT&E, assessments and analyses, research studies, education, and other activities related to capability development and fielding.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0607310D8Z_7_0400_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: The FY 2024 to FY 2025 funding decrease represents program adjustments directed by OUSD(A&S) to align with higher priority National Defense Strategy requirements and will result in 1-2 fewer upgraded/enhanced counter WMD capabilities.
• Service Agency Name: Office of the Secretary Of Defense

Entities

Organizations

• Office of the Secretary of Defense

Tags

Readers

• Critical Infrastructure Protection in CBRN and WMD Threats.
• Enterprise Information Systems Architecture and Joint Command Capability Interoperability Support.
• Strategic Security Studies