Lockheed Martin Secures $551M Navy Contract for Trident II D5 Missile Modernization

Lockheed Martin, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and security, has been awarded a significant contract by the U.S. Navy to modernize the Trident II D5 strategic weapons system. The $551 million contract, announced on January 31, 2025, will enable the company to continue its critical role in maintaining the nation's sea-based strategic deterrence.

The Trident II D5 missile, built and upgraded by Lockheed Martin, is the most advanced ballistic missile in the world and is currently aboard U.S. OHIO-class and U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines. This year, Lockheed Martin will mark 70 years of support to the Navy in developing and sustaining the missiles that are the backbone for the nation's sea-based deterrence through the company's Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program.

Under the new contract, Lockheed Martin will design the upgraded missile, 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 strategic weapon system remains credible through 2084. Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, stated, "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."



In addition to the modernization of the Trident II D5 missile, Lockheed Martin is breaking ground on an approximately 225,000 square foot facility in Titusville, Florida, to produce components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The new facility expands Lockheed Martin's presence in Florida's Space Coast and is expected to add approximately 300 highly-skilled new jobs. Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly commented, "Under Governor Ron DeSantis' leadership, Florida continues to invest in our aerospace and aviation, and military and defense industries – bringing high-skill, high-wage jobs to the state."



The Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) missile modernization contract aligns with Lockheed Martin's strategic goals and long-term growth plans by supporting the continuation of a critical program, expanding manufacturing capabilities, investing in R&D, strengthening customer relationships, and aligning with the company's 21st Century Security strategy. This contract highlights Lockheed Martin's advanced ballistic missile technology, open architecture and commercial partnerships, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), digital transformation, advanced communications, and air-space integration capabilities. These capabilities contribute to Lockheed Martin's competitive advantage in the defense industry by enabling the company to provide advanced, reliable, and innovative solutions to its customers, helping them to maintain a strategic edge in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

In conclusion, Lockheed Martin's receipt of the $551 million Navy contract for the Trident II D5 missile modernization demonstrates the company's commitment to maintaining the U.S. and UK's strategic deterrence capabilities. The contract aligns with Lockheed Martin's strategic goals and long-term growth plans, and highlights the company's advanced capabilities in the defense industry.