NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES AND CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENT
Abstract
Nuclear Technologies and Capabilities Development encompasses the following related areas: Research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) to identify, develop, and exploit signatures associated with nuclear threats in support of U.S. capabilities that detect and interdict such threats; and locate, identify, and track special nuclear material and improve detection factors such as range, time, sensitivity, and accuracy to enhance Service and Special Mission Unit capabilities. These efforts support Department of Defense (DoD) requirements for countering terrorism, counterproliferation, nonproliferation, countering rogue states, and homeland defense. RDT&E to systematically study signatures associated with adversary nuclear programs and nuclear detonations to gain knowledge or understanding necessary to: determine technical capabilities needed to improve DoD contingency planning activities; improve DoD situational awareness on the nuclear battlefield; and improve capabilities to attribute the source of a nuclear detonation. Research and develop innovative technologies for the protection of mission-essential personnel, critical military and national defense capabilities, and associated control and support systems during a nuclear event. Research under this project supports the mission critical systems identified under DoD Instruction 3150.09, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Survivability Policy. System vulnerability research develops nuclear assessment capabilities to support operational planning, weapons effects predictions, and strategic system design. This activity also provides the DoD’s nuclear design and protection standards for new and existing systems, e.g., command and control facilities and aircraft. Key systems include the Nuclear Command and Control System, the net-centric thin-line, and both military and civilian satellites and associated support systems. Experimental capabilities research provides the warfighter with unique x-ray, gamma ray, and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) test capabilities in support of system survivability development, certification, and sustainment. These efforts also support international collaboration, user groups, case study reviews, and the Joint Atomic Information Exchange Group. The human survivability effort conducts research to develop and validate mortality and morbidity models associated with radiological and nuclear weapon effects. Research and develop modeling tools to support military operational planning, weapons effects predictions, and strategic system design decisions; consolidate validated modeling tools for integrated functionality; predict system responses to nuclear and radiological weapons producing electromagnetic, thermal, blast, shock, and radiation environments; provide detailed adversary nuclear infrastructure characterization to enhance counterforce operations and hazard effects; and, develop foreign nuclear weapon outputs. Delivers integrated applications, data analysis, and cloud-ready Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enhanced capabilities, using a cross-cutting platform supporting the full spectrum of nuclear operations, wargaming, and assessments. Provides timely electronic access to Nuclear Testing Archives supporting validation of the effectiveness of the Nuclear Deterrent and survivability of U.S. military assets without a return to nuclear testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- RD_0602718BR_2_0400_PB_2025
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