Pentagon Spokesman Eric Pahon reported that Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Dahlgren Division in Virginia and NSWC Indian Head Division in Maryland. The purpose of the visit was to observe Navy research, development, testing, and evaluation projects, particularly focusing on counter-Uncrewed Systems technologies (c-UXS) and energetics.
At NSWC Dahlgren, Deputy Secretary Hicks reviewed several c-UXS technologies under development, including directed energy and high-energy lasers. "Recent events in the Red Sea, Ukraine and Israel have accentuated the urgency with which the Department must adopt innovative operational concepts and new capabilities such as directed energy to counter emerging threats," she noted. The work at NSWC Dahlgren aims to enhance U.S. capabilities in protecting warfighters from UXS while decreasing costs.
Hicks also visited the Critical Infrastructure Defense Analytic Center, established by her authorization in February 2022. This center is part of efforts to improve security and resilience of critical infrastructure through advanced analytical capabilities.
Additionally, Hicks toured the NSWC Dahlgren Hypersonic Integration and Test Facility, which plays a crucial role in hypersonic weapons development for the Department of Defense. Since 2016, this facility has been conducting analyses on integrated air and missile defense focused on hypersonic missiles.
At NSWC Indian Head, recognized as a leading center for energetics research and manufacturing, Hicks learned about its collaboration with private industry to strengthen the nation's Defense Industrial Base. She was briefed on over 500 projects within the Energetics Comprehensive Modernization Plan—a $2.7 billion initiative aimed at enhancing wartime readiness.
During her visit to Indian Head's detonation complex, Hicks witnessed a live demonstration of energetic materials testing. The research conducted here has led to advancements in underwater warheads and explosives.
Deputy Secretary Hicks concluded her visit by touring facilities responsible for developing solid rocket motors, warheads, and mines at Indian Head's mix/cast/cure complex.
The labs at both locations are integral parts of a larger network known as the Navy Surface and Undersea Warfare Centers Enterprise. Throughout her visits, Hicks emphasized "the people, facilities, and partnerships" aiding the Department of Defense in developing solutions for modern battlefield threats while supporting supply chains necessary for military operations.
