BAE Systems has secured a significant contract modification, valued at $7.97 million, to extend its engineering support and facilities integration services for the U.S. Navy’s Sea-Launched Cruise Missile–Nuclear (SLCM-N) program. This extension comes from the U.S. Department of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, with work set to occur from June 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
The primary aim of the SLCM-N program is to facilitate the development of a low-yield nuclear-capable cruise missile that can be deployed from various naval platforms. The introduction of this missile is considered a strategic enhancement, providing the U.S. military with a flexible nuclear option during crises that offers both precision and constrained collateral damage.
The SLCM-N is anticipated to be launched from surface vessels, particularly the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and from attack submarines, including the Virginia and Los Angeles-class models. Experts believe that a sea-based platform will enable a greater operational presence in key regions, thus proving a more robust alternative compared to air-launched systems, which tend to be more susceptible to threats and require in-flight refueling.
In terms of specifications, the SLCM-N missile is expected to incorporate advanced precision-guidance technologies and features designed to enhance stealth capabilities. With a proposed range exceeding 1,000 kilometers (approximately 621 miles), the operational reach of the missile positions it as a critical component of the U.S. military’s strategic deterrence arsenal. The planned delivery of this sophisticated weapon system is projected for 2036, reinforcing the Navy’s evolving capabilities in modern warfare.
