The US Navy’s W93/Mk7 nuclear weapons program has entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase after achieving Milestone B earlier this year, marking a new step toward modernizing the submarine-launched ballistic missile fleet.
In a September 24 announcement, the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs (PAE SSP) said the program will now focus on completing the production design and demonstrating that it can be manufactured to meet the service’s requirements.
The W93 warhead and Mk7 reentry body assembly represent the first US nuclear warhead and reentry system program initiated in nearly four decades, the Navy said. Together, they are intended to provide a modern warhead for the US submarine-launched ballistic missile fleet.
W93/Mk7 enters engineering and manufacturing development
The transition into EMD follows the program’s achievement of Milestone B, an acquisition milestone that allows it to advance into this phase of development.
The Navy saidthe work will focus on completing the production design and demonstrating that the design is producible. The announcement did not disclose a production schedule, cost estimate, or planned deployment date.
Vice Adm. Douglas Williams, director of PAE SSP, said the W93/Mk7 is intended to provide flexibility and adaptability for future warfighter needs while supporting an uninterrupted at-sea deterrent.
Williams also credited collaboration between PAE SSP, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and industry partners for accelerating the program’s entry into the next phase.
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The W93/Mk7 program is part of the modernization of the sea-based leg of the US nuclear triad, which relies onballistic missile submarinesto provide a nuclear deterrent.
The Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs is responsible for sustaining the strategic weapon system aboard Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and supporting the integration of the Trident II D5 Life Extension weapon system on the newer Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
The Navy’s announcement describes the W93 warhead and Mk7 reentry body as a combined program. It does not provide detailed technical specifications for either component.
The program is being developed through a partnership between PAE SSP, the NNSA, and associated national laboratories under the interagencyNuclear WeaponsLife Cycle process. The collaboration covers design, development, and production.
NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said the agency is working to modernize the Nuclear Security Enterprise and develop the weapon in coordination with the Navy.
US Navy’s submarine weapons modernization effort
The W93/Mk7 is one of several programs PAE SSP is pursuing to modernize the Navy’s strategic weapons systems.
The office is also developing the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 strategic weapon system, alongside the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile program, known as SLCM-N, and the non-nuclear Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system.
These programs address different capabilities: the W93/Mk7 focuses on the Navy’s nuclear warhead andreentry system, while Conventional Prompt Strike is intended to provide a non-nuclear hypersonic strike capability.
The Navy said the W93/Mk7 program’s latest milestone advances its effort to deliver a modernized capability to the submarine fleet and sustain the sea-based component of the US nuclear deterrent.
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Kaif ShaikhKaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories. His writing covers technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and occasionally fiction. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, his work has appeared in the Times of India and beyond. After a near-fatal experience, Kaif began seeing both stories and silences differently. Outside work, he juggles far too many projects and passions, but always makes time to read, reflect, and hold onto the thread of wonder.
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The US Navy’s W93/Mk7 nuclear weapons program has entered the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase after achieving Milestone B earlier this year, marking a new step toward modernizing the submarine-launched ballistic missile fleet.
In a September 24 announcement, the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Strategic Systems Programs (PAE SSP) said the program will now focus on completing the production design and demonstrating that it can be manufactured to meet the service’s requirements.
The W93 warhead and Mk7 reentry body assembly represent the first US nuclear warhead and reentry system program initiated in nearly four decades, the Navy said. Together, they are intended to provide a modern warhead for the US submarine-launched ballistic missile fleet.
W93/Mk7 enters engineering and manufacturing development
The transition into EMD follows the program’s achievement of Milestone B, an acquisition milestone that allows it to advance into this phase of development.
The Navy saidthe work will focus on completing the production design and demonstrating that the design is producible. The announcement did not disclose a production schedule, cost estimate, or planned deployment date.
Vice Adm. Douglas Williams, director of PAE SSP, said the W93/Mk7 is intended to provide flexibility and adaptability for future warfighter needs while supporting an uninterrupted at-sea deterrent.
Williams also credited collaboration between PAE SSP, the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and industry partners for accelerating the program’s entry into the next phase.
More from Military
See AllMilitaryUS startup develops drone propulsion system to boost range, payload and speedMilitaryWhat Northrop Grumman’s F/A-XX concept reveals about the Navy’s future carrier fighterInnovationWind turbines reduce radar coverage by 7% and increase blind spots by 15%, study findsMilitaryUS’ top rival modernizes its most advanced stealth fighter jet, can operate in jamming environmentsMilitaryLockheed Martin builds dedicated center to weaponize quantum tech for US troopsA new warhead for the submarine-launched nuclear force
The W93/Mk7 program is part of the modernization of the sea-based leg of the US nuclear triad, which relies onballistic missile submarinesto provide a nuclear deterrent.
The Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs is responsible for sustaining the strategic weapon system aboard Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and supporting the integration of the Trident II D5 Life Extension weapon system on the newer Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines.
The Navy’s announcement describes the W93 warhead and Mk7 reentry body as a combined program. It does not provide detailed technical specifications for either component.
The program is being developed through a partnership between PAE SSP, the NNSA, and associated national laboratories under the interagencyNuclear WeaponsLife Cycle process. The collaboration covers design, development, and production.
NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams said the agency is working to modernize the Nuclear Security Enterprise and develop the weapon in coordination with the Navy.
US Navy’s submarine weapons modernization effort
The W93/Mk7 is one of several programs PAE SSP is pursuing to modernize the Navy’s strategic weapons systems.
The office is also developing the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 strategic weapon system, alongside the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile program, known as SLCM-N, and the non-nuclear Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic weapon system.
These programs address different capabilities: the W93/Mk7 focuses on the Navy’s nuclear warhead andreentry system, while Conventional Prompt Strike is intended to provide a non-nuclear hypersonic strike capability.
The Navy said the W93/Mk7 program’s latest milestone advances its effort to deliver a modernized capability to the submarine fleet and sustain the sea-based component of the US nuclear deterrent.
Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.
By subscribing, you agree to our
Terms of Useand
PoliciesYou may unsubscribe at any time.
0
COMMENT
Subscribe to
Today!
Access to exclusive content, expert insights and a deeper dive into engineering and tech. No ads, no limits.
Explore Now!By
Kaif ShaikhKaif Shaikh is a journalist and writer passionate about turning complex information into clear, impactful stories. His writing covers technology, sustainability, geopolitics, and occasionally fiction. A graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, his work has appeared in the Times of India and beyond. After a near-fatal experience, Kaif began seeing both stories and silences differently. Outside work, he juggles far too many projects and passions, but always makes time to read, reflect, and hold onto the thread of wonder.
- 1Tesla close to making 1,000 Optimus humanoids a week, but robots struggle with tasks
- 2Commercially viable fusion energy that delivers limitless clean power could be closer to reality
- 3Hafnium oxide stays stable at 1,562°F, boosting future capacitors, memory and cooling
- 418-detector neutrino system probes rare particle interactions near nuclear reactor
- 5Rugged 160W power supply handles -51°F to 140°F with 91% efficiency and IP67 rating
