The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract modification for the development of the Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile.
The $383 million cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification will allow the company to design the missile’s upgrade, called the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2). The integrated, modernized missile will be carried aboard COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines to ensure the weapon system remains credible through 2084, the company said.
“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 evolving threats,” Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, said. “We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the U.S. Navy to take deterrence into this new era.”
The company said it will build 225,000 square foot facility in Titusville, FL to support the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile contract. The new facility will expand the company’s presence in the state’s Space Coast and is expected to add an estimated 300 highly skilled new jobs. The new facility is expected to go into operation in 2027 and support the Navy’s needs for the next 60 years.
“Florida continues to invest in our aerospace and aviation, and military and defense industries – bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “Strategic investments like this continue to propel Florida’s workforce, adding 300 new jobs and bringing economic success to Florida communities.”