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The US Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a US$383 million (AU$612.4 million) contract modification for the continued development of the next-generation Trident II strategic weapons system D5 missile.
The contract extension will ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the United States’ sea-based strategic deterrence. Under this contract, Lockheed Martin will design and develop the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2), an upgraded and modernised version of the missile.
The D5LE2 will be integrated into the US Navy’s new Columbia Class ballistic missile submarines, ensuring the strategic weapons system remains viable and effective through to 2084.
Gerald Mamrol, vice president of fleet ballistic missiles at Lockheed Martin, said, “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 Trident II D5 missile, originally developed and continuously enhanced by Lockheed Martin, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
It is currently deployed aboard both US Ohio Class and UK Vanguard Class submarines, forming a crucial component of American and allied nuclear deterrence strategies.
“We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the US Navy to take deterrence into this new era,” Mamrol said.
This year marks 70 years of Lockheed Martin’s partnership with the US Navy in the development and sustainment of fleet ballistic missiles (FBM), a critical capability underpinning national and allied security.
The FBM program continues to prioritise innovation through the use of cutting-edge digital technology, modern manufacturing facilities and a culture of excellence – ensuring the reliability and advancement of strategic deterrence for decades to come.
Lockheed Martin is breaking ground on an approximately 225,000 square foot facility in Titusville, Florida, to produce components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The facility is anticipated to be ready for operations in 2027 to meet the Navy’s production needs and support the service for the next 60 years.
