Pentagon Builds New W93 Sub-Launched Nuclear Warhead For 2040

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

The US Navy and the Pentagon’s Strategic Command intend engineer a new warhead to be deployed on the famous Trident II D5 nuclear-armed, submarine-launched weapon for decades into the future, in large measure due to a series of key upgrades and “life extension” programs.

The National Nuclear Security Administration is requesting $390 million for a new “warhead” for the Trident II D5, called the W93, according to an interesting essay from Arms Control Today. The Pentagon is working to modernize, sustain and upgrade the missile as well and is requesting $126 million for the Mk7 aeroshell designed to integrate into the W93 as well, the Army Control Today paper says These requests are a few of the recent parts of a longstanding, multi-year effort to integrate a new warhead in coming years. 

The W93 has been in development for several years as a new nuclear warhead, described by the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation as slated to arrive by 2040. 

Upgrades to the Trident have been underway for many years, yet naturally many details regarding the technological adjustments or new W93 warhead are not likely to be available for security reasons. The Pentagon and Navy have, however, been clear that the missile now operates with a longer-lasting “Life Extension” variant. In a general sense, the new W93 warhead is explained in the text of a document cited by the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists from the Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Association as having the “flexibility to address future threats.” 

“Anchored on previously tested nuclear components, the W93 will incorporate modern technologies to improve safety, security, and flexibility to address future threats. It will be designed for ease of manufacturing, maintenance, and certification. All of its key nuclear components will be based on currently deployed and previously tested nuclear designs, as well as extensive stockpile component and materials experience. It will not require additional nuclear explosive testing to be certified,” the text of the US Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Association’s 2022 Stockpile, Stewardship and Management Plan states. 

Trident IID5 Life Extension Plan

This “Life Extension” plan, called the Trident II D5LE weapon, has been developing and being integrated in recent years as a way to ensure the US undersea deterrent remains effective, highly modernized and capable of responding as needed in the event of a tragic and unwanted crisis.