Nuclear Triad (Formerly Nuclear C3, Nuclear C2) –
Geopolitical changes, coupled with emerging and dangerous adversarial technologies, drive an urgent need to modernize the old and antiquated US Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) system. Despite this strong impetus, modernization is only progressing slowly. The US government is not yet structured for the challenges of NC3 modernization, nor has it motivated the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and innovation base to support the effort. To better facilitate NC3 modernization, the government must, define the desired architecture,
communicate a clear demand signal, incentivize the DIB and innovation base, create effective governance and agile acquisition processes, and mitigate security clearance and facility challenges.
The NC3 Industry Study analyzed US government actions to implement NC3 modernization and the DIB and innovation base’s readiness to support the effort. This report provides strategic context, and describes relevant industry, innovation, and market structure. It also analyzes key areas including governance, acquisitions, the supply chain, industrial security, and human capital. The analysis delivers useful insights for stakeholders involved in NC3 modernization.
Collective analysis findings are addressed with the following five NC3 Modernization recommendation areas:
1. Define the Desired Architecture
- Collaborate with Government Funded Agencies
- Create a High-Level Roadmap and Digital Engineering Platform
- Incorporate Modularity
- Solicit Threat-Based Research
- Form a Threat Monitoring Advisory Committee
2. Communicate a Clear Demand Signal
- Articulate the Modernization Plan
- Provide Appropriate NEC Manpower
- Begin Execution Short of the 100% Solution
- Identify and Exploit Disruptive Technologies
3. Incentivize the Industrial and Innovation Base
- Increase annual Science Technology and Education (STE) allocations at FFRDCs.
- Create and Subsidize Secure Small Business Centers
- Leverage Mutually Beneficial Relationships
- Create Interoperability Within Programs
4. Create Effective Governance and Acquisition Agility
- Designate a JADC2 Enterprise Lead and Integrate with NC3
- Integrate NC3 Acquisition Under One PEO for Each Service
- Establish Component Acquisition Executive (CAE) Responsibilities within USSTRATCOM Staff
- Adopt Agile and DevSecOps Methodologies
5. Mitigate Industry Security Clearance/Facility Challenges
- Expedite Security Clearances for Personnel Supporting NC3
- Adjust Classification Status to the Lowest Level of Acceptable Risk
- Develop a Cloud-based Classified Network
Read the report →