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Lockheed Martin Expands Ballistic Missile Production Capacity For US Army with New Florida Facility.
Lockheed Martin continues its commitment to strategic deterrence with the construction of a new production facility in Florida, aimed at supporting the US Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) program. Announced on February 4, 2025, this initiative extends the company's seven-decade collaboration with the US Navy. With a $383 million investment allocated for the expansion of the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapons System (D5LE2), the new facility will play a crucial role in maintaining the effectiveness of sea-based nuclear deterrence for decades to come.
An unarmed Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) missile launches from Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Alaska (SSBN 732) during a Commander Evaluation Test (CET) off the coast of Florida (Picture source: US DoD)
Located in Titusville, on Florida’s Space Coast, the new facility will cover approximately 225,000 square feet and will be designed for the manufacturing of key components for the Trident II D5 missile. It will incorporate Lockheed Martin’s Intelligent Factory Framework, a digital production system that enables continuous optimization of operations through advanced management tools. Additionally, the project is expected to generate up to 300 new jobs, strengthening the company’s industrial footprint in Florida and contributing to the local economy. This modern site is also designed to be adaptable to future needs, ensuring a flexible and scalable production capacity.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to adapt to evolving strategic defense requirements. According to Johnathon Caldwell, Vice President and General Manager of Lockheed Martin’s Strategic & Missile Defense Systems division, the facility's design flexibility will allow it to evolve and meet the sector’s changing demands. Jerry Mamrol, Vice President of the Fleet Ballistic Missiles division, emphasized that this facility will support the US Navy and the nation for the next sixty years while also strengthening the national supply chain for strategic materials and guidance systems.
The Trident II D5 missile, developed and upgraded by Lockheed Martin, is currently deployed on US Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines. The D5LE2 upgrade will equip the future Columbia-class submarines, ensuring the continuity of the United States' ocean-based nuclear deterrence, which represents the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad. Enhancing maritime capabilities is also crucial for maintaining strategic naval superiority in the face of emerging submarine threats.
At the local level, this industrial expansion is seen as a significant economic opportunity. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly welcomed the investment, highlighting its role in job creation and economic growth for Florida communities. Lockheed Martin currently employs over 16,000 people in Florida, operates 74 facilities across the state, and collaborates with more than 1,000 local suppliers. The company thus contributes to a broader strategic production network that extends beyond missile manufacturing alone.
Since its first contract with the US Navy in 1955, Lockheed Martin has played a central role in the development and modernization of submarine-launched ballistic missiles. With 191 successful Trident II D5 test launches since 1989, the company continues to ensure high performance in nuclear deterrence. The construction of this new facility further strengthens the strategic industrial capacity required to maintain the US Navy’s technological and operational continuity in ballistic missile systems for decades to come, responding to the advancements of adversary capabilities in hypersonic missiles and missile defense systems.
By reinforcing its missile arsenal, the United States aims to maintain a strategic balance in response to the growing capabilities of China and Russia. This initiative serves to deter potential aggression by demonstrating a credible and robust response capability. Additionally, by modernizing and increasing its missile stockpile, the United States seeks to reassure allies and partners, particularly in the Asia-Pacific and Europe, reinforcing its commitment to security in the face of emerging threats. Finally, this initiative ensures that US forces are equipped with the most advanced technologies to address future conflicts and sustain an effective deterrence posture.