Lockheed Martin awarded $474M contract for Trident II D5 ballistic missile life extension.

Lockheed Martin, the largest collection defence firm in the world, received a new contract for the ballistic missile life extension program launched by the US Navy's Trident II D5 submarine.

The Trident II D5 (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)

The contract, announced Friday by the Department of Defense, is worth more than $ 473.8 million and covers the efforts of the Advanced Development Program for the Alteration of Strategic Systems Programs of Life Extension 2.

The Trident II D5 is the latest generation of the U.S. Navy's submarine-launched fleet ballistic missiles, following the highly successful Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident I C4 programs. First deployed in 1990, the Trident II D5 missile is currently aboard OHIO-class and British VANGUARD-class submarines.

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, the Navy's Trident missile prime contractor, developed and produced the missile and support equipment. The company also supplies technical and logistical support at sites where the missiles are deployed.

The FBM team continues to build on a remarkable mission success track record. The Trident II D5 missile has achieved 167 successful test launches since design completion in 1989 -- a record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.

The work is expected to be completed by September 30, 2026.