Lockheed Martin announced it has been awarded a contract modification to extend the life of the Trident II missile.
The $850 million awards would extend the life of the missile that serves as a critical piece in the nation’s nuclear triad. The U.S. Department of War announced the contract in April, officials said. Originally developed in the 1980s, the Trident II D5 strategic weapon system has gone through one life extension effort (in 2017). The system is being further advanced to ensure its effectiveness through the 2040s and beyond, officials said.
“Lockheed Martin is fully committed to the mission as we move forward into this next phase,” Eric Scherff, vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) Program, said. “This award marks another important step along the way as we continue delivering a credible and resilient deterrent for the American forces and allies.”
The Trident II is a submarine-launched ballistic missile that forms the sea-based leg of the country’s nuclear arsenal alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable bombers. Amounting to approximately 70 percent of the deployed strategic deterrent capability, they provide unmatched survivability, persistent presence and operational flexibility.
Lockheed said continued investment into modernization programs allow the Trident II technology to strengthen its position as a deterrent and support warfighting in the evolving threat environment.
Work on the missile system will be performed in Colorado, Florida, Utah, Washington, Georgia and the Washington, D.C. region.