Lockheed Martin has been awarded a significant modification to a previously established contract, amounting to $383 million, aimed at advancing the next-generation Trident II Strategic Weapons System D5 missile for the US Navy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that the D5 missile will remain operational through 2084. The new missile system, known as Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2), is intended to equip the Navy’s forthcoming Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines, designed to succeed the aging Ohio-class fleet.
Jerry Mamrol, Vice President of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the importance of this second life extension for the Trident II D5 missile. He noted that this development will play a crucial role in sustaining the sea-based strategic deterrent capabilities of both the United States and the United Kingdom.
To support the production of the D5LE2 missile components, Lockheed Martin is establishing a new, expansive production facility in Titusville, Florida, encompassing approximately 225,000 square feet (20,903 square meters). This facility is expected to commence operations by 2027 and will bolster the company’s capability to produce key components for the missile system.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly praised the state’s commitment to enhancing its aerospace, aviation, military, and defense sectors under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis. His remarks highlighted that such strategic investments are not only crucial for national security but also for economic growth, projecting the creation of about 300 new jobs and stimulating economic prosperity in Florida communities.
The Trident II D5 missile is a vital component of naval defense, currently deployed on the US Navy’s Ohio-class submarines and the United Kingdom’s Vanguard-class submarines as part of the Polaris Sales Agreement. Each missile boasts impressive specifications: measuring 44 feet (13 meters) in length, weighing 130,000 pounds (58,967 kilograms), and having a diameter of 83 inches (2 meters). These submarine-launched ballistic missiles utilize a three-stage solid-propellant rocket and are equipped with an advanced inertial guidance system. They are capable of carrying nuclear warheads that offer multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, with a remarkable operational range of 4,000 nautical miles (approximately 4,603 miles or 7,408 kilometers).
The advancements in the D5 missile lineage signify a crucial step in modernizing the United States’ sea-based strategic deterrence while providing continued support to allied nations, ensuring robust defense capabilities well into the future.
