NNSA completes First Production Unit of W88 Alteration 370

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) successfully completed the system-level First Production Unit for the W88 Alteration (Alt) 370 at the Pantex Plant July 1, 2021.

The W88 Alt 370 is a major warhead acquisition program that ensures the future viability of the sea-launched ballistic missile strategic deterrent. This major milestone for DOE/NNSA, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Nation was achieved one month ahead of schedule after more than 11 years of design, development, qualification, and component production.

Dr. Charles Verdon, Acting NNSA Administrator, congratulated the program on this impressive achievement. “This accomplishment is the culmination of over a decade of work, featuring contributions from several sites within the NNSA Nuclear Security Enterprise, members of the NNSA federal workforce, and members of the DoD,” said Verdon. “The W88 Alt 370 is a crucial part of Nation’s strategy for the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad, and a testament to the Enterprise’s ability to execute major modernization programs. As we continue to modernize the stockpile, the successes and lessons learned from this program will bolster our future warhead activities to provide a safe, secure, and reliable deterrent.”

The W88/Mk5 strategic warhead entered the stockpile in 1988 and is deployed on the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. In late 2009, a joint NNSA and DoD program to refurbish the W88/Mk5 strategic warhead was initiated to address aging issues and to maintain its state of readiness. The program required significant coordination between the NNSA, its Nuclear Security Enterprise, and the Navy Strategic Systems Programs Office and its contractors.

Follow NNSA News on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Flickr. Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and militarily effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. This email was sent to nnsanews@nnsa.doe.gov National Nuclear Security Administration, 1000 Independence Ave, SW, Washington, DC 20585, USA