Does the US military need a naval nuclear cruise missile? In a recent report, the Congressional Research Service analyzed the debate around the Sea-Launched Cruise Missile-Nuclear (SLCM-N), the US Navy’s program to develop a nuclear-capable cruise missile. 

The first Trump administration was the first to table the idea for the SLCM-N in 2018. However, the Biden administration proposed to cancel the program for a naval nuclear cruise missile after the 2022 Nuclear Posture Review. Nevertheless, Congress has provided funding for research and development, and, in the FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act, Congress required the Pentagon to ensure that the SLCM-N reached initial operational capability. Since then, the Navy has been working toward an operational munition. In the latest defense budget, the SLCM-Nuclear program received $252 million. 

In June, Pentagon officials from the Strategic Systems Programs announced an $8 million order for technical engineering and integrated facilities acquisition and engineering pertaining to the development of the SLCM-N. 

Currently, the Trident II D5LE ballistic missiles, which can be........

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