The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin a substantial $383 million contract modification aimed at the continued development of the Trident II (D5) Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) program. Announced on January 31, 2025, this agreement secures Lockheed Martin’s role on the next generation of the U.S. Navy’s strategic deterrent system, ensuring its reliability through the year 2084.
This cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00004) to contract N0003024C0100 allocates funding for the advanced design and development of the Trident II (D5) Strategic Weapons System Life Extension 2 program. The work will be carried out at multiple locations across the U.S., predominantly at Denver, Colorado (55%); Cape Canaveral, Florida (8%); Magna, Utah (4%); and Titusville, Florida (3%), among others. The contract is set for completion by September 30, 2030.
Financing for this contract will come from the Fiscal Year 2025 Navy weapons procurement funds totaling $382.1 million and $1 million from the Navy’s Research, Development, Technical, and Engineering budget. The Trident II D5 missile system plays a pivotal role as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s sea-based nuclear deterrence strategy.
Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the significance of the missile upgrade, stating, "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 evolution threats." This statement underlines the mutual reliance between the two nations for deterrence capabilities.
Currently, the Trident II (D5) is deployed on U.S. OHIO-class submarines and U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines, highlighting its integral role within NATO's strategic defense architecture. Lockheed Martin, which has been associated with the Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program for nearly seven decades, remains committed to developing and sustaining these pivotal weapons to bolster national and allied security.
To support this endeavor, Lockheed Martin is investing heavily—specifically, about $50 million—in establishing a new 225,000-square-foot facility located in Titusville, Florida, which will be dedicated to developing components for the D5LE2 missile. This investment shows not just commitment to the missile program but also reflects Lockheed Martin’s drive to expand its presence on Florida’s Space Coast and create approximately 300 high-skill jobs.
Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly hailed this initiative, noting, "Under Governor Ron DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to invest in our aerospace, aviation, and defense industries – bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state.” He added, “Strategic investments like this continue to propel Florida’s workforce, adding 300 new jobs and bringing economic success to Florida communities.”
The establishment of this new facility is aligned with the Navy’s production schedule for the D5LE2 system, which is expected to be fully operational by 2027. This timeline plays a significant role not only for Lockheed Martin’s infrastructure expansion but also for the broader strategic objectives of the U.S. Navy.
Beyond the immediate benefits of job creation and economic investment, the Trident II (D5) Life Extension 2 program stands as a fundamental element of the U.S. military’s strategy to maintain its edge amid growing global threats. This enhancement mirrors the complex, ever-adapting nature of modern warfare and deterrence strategy.
Lockheed Martin's investment and the contract awarded by the DoD affirm the enduring importance of the Trident missile program to U.S. national security—and highlight the partnership between the defense industry and government agencies to navigate the challenges of the future. With these developments, both allied nations can rest assured they are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.