US Navy awards $743 million for SLCM-N nuclear cruise missile to improve deterrence against Russia and China

The US Navy's Strategic Systems Programs announced five prototype agreements worth $743.57 million for the nuclear-armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile program on October 6. Dynetics, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman will compete on missile and flight-integration development, while Northrop Grumman Mission Systems and Pacific Engineering will develop launch canisters. Awarded September 23, the agreements cover work through December 31, 2027, including interfaces with Virginia-class submarine payload tubes and shipboard systems. The funding advances competing prototypes for a future sea-based nuclear capability, rather than authorizing operational deployment or purchasing production missiles for the fleet.