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US awards Lockheed $647M to build new Trident II D5 submarine-launched nuclear missiles.
The U.S. Department of War awarded Lockheed Martin a $647 million contract to produce Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The move reinforces America’s nuclear deterrent amid rising global tensions and ensures continued support for U.S. and U.K. naval forces.
On September 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of War confirmed that Lockheed Martin Space will receive a $647 million contract modification to continue building Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles. The agreement, which could rise to more than $745 million if all options are exercised, extends Lockheed Martin’s decades-long responsibility as the prime contractor for the Navy’s strategic missile force. The decision comes at a moment of renewed global tension, underscoring Washington’s determination to sustain a credible nuclear deterrent for both the United States and the United Kingdom.
By extending production of the Trident II D5, the United States is not only modernizing hardware but also reinforcing a broader strategic message (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
The Trident II D5 missile is still the backbone of the nuclear forces operated by the United States and the United Kingdom. Carried on Ohio-class and Vanguard-class submarines, it gives both navies the ability to strike targets more than 7,000 kilometers away and to deploy several warheads against different objectives in a single launch. That range and flexibility make it the cornerstone of a survivable second-strike force. The missile first entered service in 1990, but it has been kept current through successive rounds of upgrades. The latest effort, known as the D5 Life Extension Program, has refreshed its guidance systems, electronics, and reentry vehicles, allowing the weapon to remain in service well into the 2040s.
Over the years, the Trident has built a reputation for reliability. Dozens of test launches, stretching across more than three decades, have consistently shown high accuracy and dependable performance. This record has cemented its place as one of the most trusted parts of America’s nuclear arsenal. Lockheed Martin has been tied to the system from the beginning and continues to handle much of the production and sustainment work alongside the Navy. Each contract awarded keeps the program’s expertise intact and sustains the industrial chain that supports it.
The new round of funding goes beyond routine maintenance. It reflects the wider strategic picture. Russia and China are pressing ahead with nuclear modernization of their own, and Washington’s decision to continue expanding Trident production signals a determination not to let the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad lose credibility. For NATO members, this move is meant to be reassurance of the U.S. and UK’s long-term commitment. For potential adversaries, it serves as a reminder that escalation risks remain high. The decision also feeds into the ongoing debate about arms control and how deterrence can be balanced with stability in a changing world.
Financially, the numbers are significant. The Navy’s contract uses a mix of fixed-price and cost-plus terms, reflecting both the complexity of building such systems and the long-term sustainment needs. The deal is valued at over $647 million, and with options could climb to almost $746 million. It stands out as one of the larger recent allocations for strategic forces. Once again, Lockheed Martin sits at the center of this effort, reinforcing its role as the Navy’s key partner for sea-based deterrence.
Keeping the Trident II D5 in production is not only about hardware. It’s also about sending a clear political and strategic signal. The program ensures that U.S. and UK nuclear forces remain credible, reliable, and survivable, while showing that both governments intend to preserve their deterrent posture well into the future.
Written by Teoman S. Nicanci – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Teoman S. Nicanci holds degrees in Political Science, Comparative and International Politics, and International Relations and Diplomacy from leading Belgian universities, with research focused on Russian strategic behavior, defense technology, and modern warfare. He is a defense analyst at Army Recognition, specializing in the global defense industry, military armament, and emerging defense technologies.