US Navy Awards Lockheed Martin to Develop Trident II Submarine-Launched Missile for Sea-Based Strategic Deterrence.

On January 31, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced that the U.S. Navy awarded the company a significant $383 million contract modification aimed at further developing the Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) submarine-launched ballistic missile. The contract, which includes both cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee components, will enhance the capabilities of the Trident II D5 missile and extend its operational life, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy’s sea-based strategic deterrence capabilities.
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An unarmed Trident II D5 missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) off the coast of California. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

At the heart of this development is the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) submarine-launched ballistic missile, designed to replace the existing Trident II D5 missiles aboard both U.S. and U.K. ballistic missile submarines. The D5LE2 missile will be upgraded, integrated, and tested to maintain its effectiveness and credibility as a key element of strategic deterrence for decades to come. Lockheed Martin's Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program has supported the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrent for more than 70 years, and this new contract ensures that the D5 missile remains an essential tool in maintaining deterrence capabilities through at least 2084. According to Jerry Mamrol, Vice President of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, the D5LE2 missile will help both the United States and United Kingdom, through the Polaris Sales Agreement (PSA), to adapt and remain credible in the face of evolving global threats.

Sea-based strategic deterrence plays a crucial role in the U.S. nuclear triad, offering unmatched survivability, flexibility, and security for the nation’s nuclear forces. The Trident II D5 missile, regarded as the most advanced submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in the world, is designed for long-range precision strikes from submerged platforms. Deployed on U.S. OHIO-class and U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines, it helps maintain a constant, reliable deterrent against adversaries. With its ability to strike global targets with remarkable accuracy while submerged, the missile ensures that U.S. nuclear deterrence is protected from preemptive strikes.

The stealthy nature of these submarines, which are difficult to track and target, makes them one of the most secure elements of the nuclear triad. By maintaining a continuous presence at sea, these submarines contribute to a credible second-strike capability, reinforcing strategic stability.

A critical aspect of the contract modification is the integration of the Trident II D5LE2 missile into the U.S. Navy’s upcoming COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines. These submarines, designed to replace the aging OHIO-class fleet, are scheduled to begin entering service in the early 2030s. The COLUMBIA-class will serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s sea-based deterrence force for decades, providing advanced stealth features, increased missile payloads, and enhanced operational endurance. By integrating the D5LE2 missile system into the COLUMBIA-class, the U.S. Navy will maintain a resilient, effective deterrent force well into the 21st century, supporting U.S. national security through at least the 2080s.

The Trident II D5 missile is not only a critical element of U.S. sea-based deterrence but also a key part of the United Kingdom’s nuclear strategy. Under the Polaris Sales Agreement, the U.K. deploys Trident missiles on its Vanguard-class submarines, providing a unified deterrence strategy among NATO allies.

The Trident II D5 missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), each with up to 12 warheads. With a range of approximately 7,500 miles, it can strike targets anywhere across the globe from the safety of a submerged position. The missile’s MIRV capability and advanced guidance systems make it a formidable tool for strategic deterrence, enabling the U.S. and U.K. to target multiple locations while maintaining operational security accurately. These technological features, combined with the missile’s survivability, ensure that the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad remains an effective deterrent.

This new contract marks a significant milestone in Lockheed Martin’s long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy. For over 70 years, Lockheed Martin has been instrumental in the development and sustained modernization of the Trident missile system. The company has continually advanced the Trident’s capabilities to ensure that the missile remains a reliable element of U.S. and U.K. deterrence strategies.

As part of the D5LE2 life extension program, Lockheed Martin is committed to maintaining the readiness and technological superiority of the Trident missile system. The company’s ongoing work with the U.S. Navy ensures that the Trident II missile remains at the forefront of ballistic missile technology, helping to secure national and global stability.

The $383 million contract modification awarded to Lockheed Martin is a critical step in modernizing the U.S. Navy’s sea-based deterrence capabilities. With the D5LE2 missile system, the U.S. will maintain a robust and credible deterrent force well into the next several decades. The integration of the upgraded Trident II missile aboard the COLUMBIA-class submarines will ensure that the U.S. Navy remains a leader in nuclear deterrence, adapting to future challenges and threats. This partnership will safeguard national security, promote global stability, and reinforce the United States' position as a nuclear power well into the latter half of the 21st century.