The US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million contract change to ensure the country’s sea-based deterrent to continue developing the Trident II Strategic Weapon System (SWS) D5 missile . The funding will support the design and development of the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2), an upgraded missile deployed on the US Navy Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine. The goal is to maintain the reliability of the system until 2084.
“An extended second life expectancy of the Trident D5 missile ensures that the US and the UK will continue to effectively block the evolving threat through the Polaris Sales Agreement,” said Jerry Mamroll, Vice President of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin. We are proud to strengthen our continued partnership with the US Navy to enhance our future deterrence.”
Developed and continuously upgraded by Lockheed Martin, the Trident II D5 missile is the world’s most advanced ballistic missile currently deployed on US Ohio-Class and British Vanguard-Class submarines. Lockheed Martin is in its 70th year in supporting the Navy with its Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program, essential to the US and Allied strategic deterrent capabilities.
The FBM program is key to national and alliance security, focusing on innovation with cutting-edge digital technology, cutting-edge facilities and commitment to excellence. Lockheed Martin is infiltrating at a 225,000-square-foot facility in Titusville, Florida to manufacture components for the D5LE2 missile. The expansion will create approximately 300 skilled jobs in Florida’s Space Coast region. The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2027 and will support the Navy’s production requirements for the next 60 years.
Florida Secretary of Commerce, J. Alex Kelly commented: This new facility will contribute to Florida’s financial success by providing high-end, highly paid jobs to our workforce. ”
Lockheed Martin is a global leader in aerospace, defense and security, renowned for its cutting-edge innovation and advanced technology. Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, the company specializes in the design and manufacture of next-generation solutions, including fighter jets, missiles, space systems and cybersecurity technologies.
Notable products such as the F-35 Lightning II, The Aegis Combat System, and Orion Spacecraft have founded Lockheed Martin as a trusted partner for governments and organizations around the world. With its commitment to sustainability, research and workforce development, Lockheed Martin continues to drive advances in defense, exploration and innovation to address some of the world’s most complex challenges.
