Lockheed Martin received $1.2bn to produce Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles and support weapons already deployed

The US Department of Defence has allocated more than $1 billion to Lockheed Martin for the production of new Trident II (D5) missiles and support for already deployed systems. This was announced on the Pentagon's official website.

Here's What We Know

The new contract is a modification of the agreement N0003023C0100. Lockheed Martin received $1.2 billion for the production of Trident II (D5) intercontinental ballistic missiles and support for deployed missiles carried by strategic nuclear submarines.

A statement from the US Department of Defence said the contract runs until 30 September 2028. Work will take place at Lockheed Martin facilities in several US states, including Florida, Utah, Colorado, Georgia, California, Arkansas and Pennsylvania.

The only Trident II (D5) carriers in service with the US Navy are Ohio-class nuclear-powered submarines. The intercontinental ballistic missiles are installed aboard 14 of the 18 submarines of this class, including USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), which recently test-fired the Trident II (D5) Life Extension.

In a few years, the U.S. Navy will begin to retire the submarines. They will be replaced by new nuclear submarines. The new class is called Columbia. Recently it became known that the U.S. Navy will receive funding for the construction of a second Columbia class submarine, despite a possible government shutdown.

Source: Pentagon