Radiological and Nuclear Defense Modernization Operational System Development

Abstract

As a FY 2024 new start, this program supports the Department's initiatives to Deter Aggression, Defend the Homeland, Provide Nuclear Deterrence and being prepared to prevail, and Build Sustainable and Long-Term Advantage. The Radiological and Nuclear (R/N) Detection Gear Modernization and Procurement for the Joint Force research and development activities (RDAs) enhance DoD’s capabilities to campaign across the domains of threats and spectrums of conflict by: improving the Department’s capability to survive and operate in the Radiological and Nuclear environment – including in the information and early warning domain; reinforcing our own warfighting advantages by providing increased capability to detect and identify radiological and nuclear threats; and enhancing our interoperability and access to address acute forms of coercion. This program is specifically geared to provide modern improved networked R/N detection, indications and identification capability to the warfighter and to upgrade obsolete equipment and increase capability to continue to operate in the R/N environment (2022 National Defense Strategy and the 2023 CWMD Strategy). RDAs provide enhanced R/N capabilities. The Radiological and Nuclear Defense Capability Development portfolio enables DoD to provide Joint Force and National Guard capability development, acquisition and modernization funding to prepare for and respond to any emergency involving nuclear and/or radiological events in the United States; provide a capability for the Joint Force to withstand, operate through, and recover from an R/N event and will ensure DoD strategic direction aligns with the National Defense Strategy’s priorities; is a necessary action to improve resilience; and promotes integrated deterrence of WMD with state, local and other federal agencies. This funding line is the only BA7 funding in the Department dedicated to providing improved R/N capability to the warfighter. The Radiological and Nuclear Defense Capability Development 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. The Office of the Secretary of Defense uses the Radiological and Nuclear Defense Capability Development 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 and the National Guard Bureau, yielding new fielded capabilities within one to two years. The Radiological and Nuclear Defense Capability Development portfolio: Systems Development and Demonstration program invests in maturation of prototypes; integration of technologies, systems and components; developmental and operational test and evaluation; and transition to fielded capabilities that improve capability to detect and identify radiological and nuclear threats. This program bridges the gap between basic research to accelerate and enable transition of technologies to fielded capabilities by leveraging significant science and technology (S&T) investments made by the Department of Defense, other Federal agencies, and industry. This program funds labor, materials, and travel to support the requirements of this program, 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: 0607757D8Z_7_0400_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: No funding changes in FY 2025.
• 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