Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile
Submarine-launched missiles are key to the nuclear deterrent. (Image: Lockheed Martin)
The company will also invest in new production facilities to service the ongoing need for the D5LE2.
Lockheed Martin has been contracted to design the next upgrade to the Trident II strategic weapon system (SWS).
The Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE2) missile, as the upgraded version will be called, will be carried onboard the Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine, and is expected to maintain the credibility of the SWS throughout 2084.
Lockheed Martin won a US$383 million contract modification to design and develop the next generation of the Trident II from the US Government.
Related Articles
Lockheed Martin to make more USN Trident II D5 missiles
New deals awarded for US submarine electronic warfare systems and the USS Ronald Reagan
The system is expected to be critical to the nation’s sea-based defence for decades to come.
Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, explained that: “The second life extension of the Trident D5 missile will enable the United States and United Kingdom, through the Polaris Sales Agreement, to maintain credibility deterring evolving threats.”
The D5 missile is the world’s most advanced ballistic missile, and is currently carried onboard the Ohio-class submarine in the US, and the Vanguard-class in the UK. As the Ohio-class is due eventually to be replaced by the Columbia programme as carrier of the US nuclear deterrent, so the Vanguard is due to be replaced by the Dreadnought in the UK.
The new missile will be deployed on the next generation of deterrent submarines.
Lockheed Martin will also build an approximately 225,000 square foot facility in Titusville, Florida to produce components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile.
The new facility is expected to bring 300 new skilled jobs to the area. It is scheduled to be ready for operations in 2027, and is expected to remain in operation for the next six decades of missile production, for use by the US Navy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs]()
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
