Lockheed Martin Space was awarded a two U.S. Navy contract modification for Trident II D5 ballistic missile production and deployed system support.
According to a statement released by the U.S. Department of Defense on 16 November, Lockheed Martin Space is awarded $49 million modification (P00002) to a previously awarded contract (N00030-18-C-0100) and $41 million modification P00016 to a previously awarded contract (N00030-17-C-0100) for Trident II (D5) missile production and deployed system support.
The U.S. Department of defense also noted that all work is expected to be completed Sept. 30, 2023.
The Trident II D5 is the latest generation of the U.S. Navy’s submarine-launched fleet ballistic missiles, following the highly successful Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident I C4 programs. First deployed in 1990, the Trident II D5 missile is currently aboard OHIO-class and British VANGUARD-class submarines.
The Trident II D5 missile has achieved 167 successful test launches since design completion in 1989 — a record unmatched by any other large ballistic missile or space launch vehicle.
The mission of the SSBN force with Trident II D5 ballistic missiles on a board is strategic deterrence, by providing the United States with its most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability. Ohio-class submarines with Trident II D5 serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine launched ballistic missiles. They are considered the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad; the other legs being long-range bombers and land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles.