SLCM-N Industry Day Unites Over 200 Innovators for Strategic Defense Advancement

On 24-25 April 2025, the Department of the Navy, through the Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS) OTA, formally kicked off industry engagement for the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) Flight System with a two-day Industry Day event. Held at WestGate Academy in Odon, Indiana, the event welcomed nearly 200 on-site attendees, including traditional and non-traditional defense performers, government entities, and academic institutions.

The objective: begin shaping the future of a survivable, sea-based nuclear deterrent by introducing the strategy, scope, and initial technical framework of the SLCM-N prototype effort.

A Strategic Vision for Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles

The SLCM-N program has been established to provide a theater nuclear system capable of providing a proportional response, be survivable, and fielded on regionally present platforms. The system will provide the necessary range and effectiveness to hold critical adversary targets at risk. The Navy is developing and procuring a nuclear-armed SLCM-N capability that leverages mature technologies, existing capabilities, and new techniques and approaches to reduce development time and help ensure cost effectiveness.

Highlights and Insights from SLCM-N Industry Day

The SLCM-N Industry Day delivered a strategic roadmap for those looking to shape the Navy’s next-generation sea-based nuclear deterrent.

Attendees also gained insights into teaming strategies, eligibility under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, and the critical requirement for Government Purpose Rights in all technical data and software deliverables. 35 teaming lists have already been submitted, and inquiries are still open for teaming lists and questions related to the project (more information below).

Next Steps

Organizations interested in the Nuclear-Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) opportunity can view the draft RFS release and accompanying documents on the SLCM-N opportunity page.

Questions regarding the draft RFS are encouraged and can be submitted on the SLCM-N opportunities page.

About NSTXL

NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. NSTXL supports their network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming, and cybersecurity compliance support.

About S²MARTS

The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.