NNSA completed all components for the W80-4 nuclear warhead planned for FY 2026, many of them months ahead of schedule, advancing efforts to achieve the FPU of the W80-4 ahead of its end of FY 2027 target.
National Nuclear Security Administration
October 1, 2026
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Trump Administration accelerates weapons modernization with W80-4 production milestone
WASHINGTON – The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has completed all components for the W80-4 nuclear warhead planned for fiscal year (FY) 2026, many of them months ahead of schedule, advancing efforts to achieve the first production unit (FPU) of the W80-4 ahead of its end of FY 2027 target.
The W80-4 program is a multiyear scientific and engineering effort to enhance the safety, security, and reliability of the legacy W80-1 warhead used in the Air Force's Air-Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). The W80-4 will be incorporated into the U.S. Air Force’s planned Long-Range Standoff missile, which will be capable of penetrating adversaries’ most advanced air defenses. President Donald Trump has prioritized rebuilding America’s nuclear production capacity, and this latest effort reflects that commitment.
“Accelerating production and delivering ahead of schedule wherever possible, while meeting our high standards for safety and security, are becoming central to NNSA’s culture,” said Administrator Brandon Williams. “America’s adversaries are not delaying in upgrading their nuclear arsenals, and we are meeting their challenge with a sense of urgency not seen since the Cold War.”
Most recently, the Kansas City National Security Campus completed all W80-4 components planned for fiscal year 2026, providing additional schedule margin and building momentum toward delivery of the first complete W80-4. The remaining W80-4 components are on track to enter their production phase in early calendar year 2027. NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs David Beck joined the W80-4 team at the Kansas City facility to commemorate the production milestone.
“Administrator Williams’ mantra of ‘Deterrence, Urgency, and Production’ is yielding results across the nuclear enterprise,” said Beck. “Completing all the planned components for the W80-4 this year is a tremendous example of urgency driving technical precision and production excellence.”
Production teams across the Nuclear Security Enterprise are working in close coordination to advance the manufacturing, qualification, and integration activities needed to achieve the W80-4 system-level FPU. This enterprise-wide effort reflects NNSA’s continued focus on accelerating production, meeting critical milestones, and delivering ahead of schedule wherever possible.