BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services Inc., based in Rockville, Maryland, has been awarded a $7.97 million contract modification to provide continued support for the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program. The contract, structured as a cost-plus-fixed-fee term agreement, falls under the existing contract number N00030-22-C-6007.
The modification covers technical engineering and integrated facilities acquisition and engineering services critical to the development and integration of the SLCM-N system. This effort supports ongoing research and development into low-yield, nuclear-capable cruise missiles intended for deployment aboard U.S. naval platforms as part of the nation’s evolving strategic deterrence posture.
Work under the contract is scheduled to take place from June 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. The SLCM-N program has been at the center of strategic defense discussions, with its proponents arguing it enhances deterrence and provides flexible nuclear response options in an increasingly contested global security environment.
The Congressional Budget Office has estimated the SLCM -N could cost $10 billion.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
