W93 warhead

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with development of the W93, a new nuclear warhead intended for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The programme, run with the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons complex, is part of efforts to modernise the sea-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, replacing warheads carried on Trident II D5 missiles aboard ballistic missile submarines.

The United States is developing the W93, its first new nuclear warhead in nearly four decades, intended for deployment on submarines. Coverage explains the warhead's design goals, its place in the US nuclear modernisation programme, and debates over cost, arms control concerns and whether the programme could spark a new arms race.

The US Navy's W93/Mk7 nuclear warhead program has moved into a new development phase. The W93 is intended as a future replacement warhead for the Navy's submarine-launched ballistic missile arsenal. The milestone signals continued progress in the Pentagon and Department of Energy's long-term effort to modernize the US nuclear weapons stockpile, a costly and politically sensitive undertaking.

The U.S. Navy is moving forward with the W93, a new nuclear warhead intended for the Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles carried by its ballistic missile submarines. The program is part of efforts to modernize the nation's sea-based nuclear deterrent, replacing warhead designs that date back decades. Discussion centers on the pace of the development and what it signals about U.S. nuclear modernization plans.