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
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays]()
US Navy prepares next step of the F-35 Block 4 upgrade while GAO predicts acquisition delays
The US Navy published a pre-solicitation notice of intent for the third phase of the F-35 Reprogramming Verification & Validation System. Meanwhile, with a five-year delay in its schedule, GAO foresees more postponements in the completion of the Block 4 effort.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
