W93/Mk7 Enters Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase

The W93 nuclear warhead and its Mk7 re-entry body have passed Milestone B and entered Engineering and Manufacturing Development. The decision advances the first new U.S. Navy nuclear warhead programme in nearly four decades, intended to support the sea-based strategic deterrent carried by ballistic-missile submarines. During this phase, the National Nuclear Security Administration and Navy will mature the design, engineering baseline, manufacturing processes, and qualification evidence needed before production decisions. Entry into development does not mean the system has been fielded or that final production quantities have been authorized.