Lockheed Martin has been awarded a contract modification to the existing deal from the US Navy for the development of the next generation of the Trident II strategic weapons system (SWS) D5 missile.
As informed, under this contract modification, Lockheed Martin will design the upgraded missile, called the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2). The integrated, modernized missile will be carried aboard Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines to ensure the strategic weapon system remains credible 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,” said Jerry Mamrol , vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin.
The D5 missile, built and upgraded by Lockheed Martin for the navies, is currently onboard the US Navy’s Ohio-class submarines and the UK’s Vanguard-class units.
This year, Lockheed Martin will mark 70 years of support in developing and sustaining the missiles that are “the backbone for the nation’s sea-based deterrence” through the company’s Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program.
In October 2023, the defense company marked the successful launch of one Trident II D5 Life Extension Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM). The US Navy conducted Demonstration and Shakedown Operation-32 (DASO-32) launching an unarmed missile from the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California on 27 September. Through the test, the US Navy’s submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) demonstrated the readiness of the crew and strategic weapon system and certified the crew for strategic patrol.