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They’ve Been Holding Back for Decades – Now They’re About to Go All In!

In a surprising move, the US Navy is planning a return to nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles, a capability it retired over three decades ago. This comes after the Navy released a formal Request for Information (RFI) to begin work on a new Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile, known as SLCM-N. The goal? To modernize its arsenal and offer a versatile response to global threats.

The Navy aims to have an operational system ready by 2034, with prototype testing expected within three years. This decision reflects a renewed focus on enhancing nuclear deterrence while keeping adversaries’ strategic assets vulnerable.

A New Sea-Launched Nuclear Option

The SLCM-N program is being designed for deployment on Virginia-class attack submarines. A key innovation is the “All Up Round” (AUR) concept, which combines a nuclear-capable cruise missile, a booster for underwater launches, and a canister system. These missiles will be launched using the submarines’ Virginia Payload Tubes or Payload Modules.

Flexibility and modularity are central to the design. The Navy is prioritizing a system that can easily adapt to new technologies without requiring changes to its nuclear payloads or guidance systems. According to the RFI, “The open system approach is being adopted to facilitate future technical upgrades or technology enhancements as needed throughout the SLCM-N program’s lifespan.”

A Return to Old Capabilities

The US Navy first introduced nuclear-armed cruise missiles in the 1980s with the TLAM-N, a nuclear version of the Tomahawk missile. These weapons had a range of roughly 1,550 miles and were deployed on both surface ships and submarines.

However, in 1991, President George H.W. Bush ordered the withdrawal of all tactical nuclear weapons from the Navy’s arsenal, including the TLAM-N. The missiles were officially retired in 2013 after the Obama administration deemed them unnecessary due to other nuclear capabilities.

This new effort signals a significant policy reversal, with the Navy now looking to reintroduce a similar capability for modern strategic needs.

Renewed Push for SLCM-N

The idea of reintroducing a nuclear-armed cruise missile was first proposed in the 2018 Nuclear Posture Review during the Trump administration. It highlighted the need for flexible, low-yield nuclear options to counter regional threats and assure allies. Proponents argue that the SLCM-N provides a critical “non-strategic regional presence.”

Despite initial resistance from the Biden administration, which suggested discontinuing the program in 2022, Congress continued to allocate funding for its development. The Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act reinforced the importance of SLCM-N, pushing the administration to ensure its operational readiness.

Strategic Importance of SLCM-N

Supporters of the program emphasize its role in providing a flexible nuclear option that doesn’t rely on stationed assets in allied nations. Its sea-based deployment allows the US to maintain a deterrent without escalating tensions with a permanent nuclear presence. Advocates also highlight its potential to serve as a proportional response to limited nuclear strikes.

Similar to the retired TLAM-N, the SLCM-N offers a low-yield option that adds depth to the US nuclear triad. By integrating modern technology and maintaining a modular design, this missile system could enhance US defense capabilities for decades to come.

The development of SLCM-N marks a significant shift in US nuclear policy, with the Navy signaling its commitment to adapting to evolving global threats. As efforts ramp up, the program is set to shape the future of maritime deterrence.

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