The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million contract modification for the development of the next generation Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile. This initiative aims to maintain the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrence capabilities.
Lockheed Martin will design an upgraded version of the missile, known as the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2). The modernized missile will be deployed on COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines, ensuring its effectiveness through 2084.
“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,” stated Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the U.S. Navy to take deterrence into this new era.”
Currently, Lockheed Martin’s D5 missiles are aboard U.S. OHIO-class and U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines. This year marks 70 years of collaboration between Lockheed Martin and the Navy in developing and sustaining these essential components of sea-based deterrence under its Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program.
To support this effort, Lockheed Martin is constructing a new facility in Titusville, Florida. The approximately 225,000 square foot plant will produce components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile and is expected to create around 300 skilled jobs.
“Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to invest in our aerospace and aviation, and military and defense industries – bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Strategic investments like this continue to propel Florida’s workforce, adding 300 new jobs and bringing economic success to Florida communities.”
The facility is scheduled for completion by 2027 to meet production demands for decades ahead.
Lockheed Martin remains a key player in global defense technology with a focus on innovation across various domains.
