Last Friday, the United States Navy announced that it had awarded Lockheed Martin a $383 million cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to an existing contract for the development of the next generation of the Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile to continue the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrence.
According to the defense giant, under the new contract modification, it will design and produce the upgraded missile – the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) – which will eventually be carried aboard future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. The goal of the program is to ensure the strategic weapon system remains credible through 2084.
“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,” explained Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin. “We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the U.S. Navy to take deterrence into this new era.”
The missiles will be produced at a new approximately 225,000-square-foot facility in Titusville, FL, on the state’s eastern coast. It will also expand the company’s footprint in the Sunshine State’s Space Coast, and bring upwards of 300 new “highly-skilled” jobs.
The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2027 and will support the U.S. Navy’s efforts with ballistic missiles throughout the life of the Columbia-class submarine program, which is expected to last at least six decades.
“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,” 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.”
The D5 Missile Being Improved
The UGM-133A Trident II – also known as the Trident D5 – is considered among the most advanced ballistic missile in the world and it is currently carried aboard the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-powered Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and U.K.’s Royal Navy Vanguard-class nuclear-powered SSBNs.
The Trident D5 was first employed in 1990, and the original D5LE (life-extension) version is currently scheduled to remain in service until 2042. The U.S. Navy and Lockheed Martin will now ensure the missile remains a crucial part of the future SSBN’s arsenal.
“This year, Lockheed Martin will mark 70 years of support to the Navy 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,” the company said in its statement.
Building the Columbia class in the Heart of Dixie
As previously reported last September, the U.S. Navy had sought to expand its submarine capacity with a new $450 million contract issued to Austal USA to build a submarine construction facility in Mobile, AL.
“[The] contract award will fund Austal USA to enhance its existing infrastructure by designing, building and outfitting a new module fabrication and outfitting facility at its Mobile shipyard to support the U.S. Navy goal of delivering one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually,” the company announced last year.
It was reported last week that the firm will expand its submarine module manufacturing facility in Mobile, creating at least 1,162 new jobs.
“Austal’s ongoing expansion in Mobile is a testament to the skill and dedication of our local workforce,” Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson told reporters. “This Module Manufacturing Facility will bring additional jobs to Mobile, boost the local economy, and enhance U.S. Naval defense capabilities. As Austal deepens its commitment to our community, the City of Mobile is proud to support its continued growth and success.”
Construction of the 369,600-square-foot expansion, which has received approval from Mobile’s Industrial Development Board is set to be completed by the end of next year.
“This honor reaffirms Alabama’s position as a leader in advanced defense manufacturing and innovation,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Austal USA’s investments in Mobile not only strengthen our nation’s security but also provide a tremendous economic boost to our state. We are proud of Austal’s success and the impact these projects will have on our workforce, our communities and the entire Gulf Coast region.”
