Lockheed Martin obtains another Trident contract modification
Once again, funds for UK strategic nuclear deterrent are included in DoD contract modification, announced shortly before release of first part of Integrated Review.
Lockheed Martin Space has received a $558.84 million sole-source modification from the USN Strategic Systems Programs office, to exercise options for Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) production and deployed systems support.
Work will be performed at multiple US locations for completion by 30 September 2026, the DoD announced on 12 March.
The contract includes $73.75 million in UK funds from the DoD budget. This may add substance to media speculation that the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy — the first part of which will be published by the UK government on 16 March — will set the UK on the path towards increasing the number of nuclear SLBMs in its arsenal.
Other recent Trident contract modifications from the DoD (in December 2020 and 1 March this year, for instance) also earmarked funding for the UK nuclear deterrent.
Trident II D5 missiles are designed to be launched from USN Ohio-class and future Columbia-class submarines, as well as from UK Royal Navy Vanguard-class boats.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?]()
What capabilities has the US deployed in the Caribbean and South America to engage “drug boats”?
The US arsenal includes amphibious assault and littoral combat ships, cutters, destroyers, landing platform docks, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, drones, ISR aircraft, helicopters and fighters.
-
![HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy]()
HMS Agamemnon: details of the dive and what the Astute-class signifies for the UK Royal Navy
As HMS Agamemnon moves closer towards joining the UK’s in-service submarine fleet, how does the sixth Astute-class fit into the Royal Navy’s defence strategy?
-
![French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement]()
French Navy frigates to align with Hellenic Navy after Aster missile enhancement
The FDI frigates will have an enhanced warfare capability that matches the configuration of ships ordered by Greece.
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
![US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
