Aerospace and national defense contractor Lockheed Martin is establishing a new facility in Titusville, covering approximately 225,000 square feet, to produce components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile. This facility is expected to create around 300 skilled jobs and enhance Lockheed Martin’s operations on Florida’s Space Coast.
The new facility is projected to be operational by 2027 to address the Navy’s production requirements and support the service for the next 60 years.
On Friday, Lockheed announced that the U.S. Navy agreed to a contract modification worth $383 million for the development of the next generation of the Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile. This modification aims to continue the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrence capabilities.
The contract involves the design of the upgraded Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) missile, which will be integrated and modernized for use on COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines. The updated missile is intended to ensure the strategic weapon system remains credible through 2084.
Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, stated that the second life extension of the Trident D5 missile is designed to maintain deterrence against evolving threats, as part of the collaboration with the U.S. Navy.
The D5 missile, produced and upgraded by Lockheed Martin, is currently deployed on U.S. OHIO-class and U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines. Lockheed Martin has been supporting the Navy’s Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program for 70 years, which is integral to sea-based deterrence.
