PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 28, 2023) – An unarmed Trident II D5LE missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS Louisiana (SSBN 743), marking a successful Demonstration and Shakedown Operation-32 (DASO-32) off the coast of San Diego, California, Wednesday. The primary objective of a DASO is to evaluate and demonstrate the readiness of the SSBN’s Strategic Weapon System (SWS) and crew before operational deployment following the submarine’s engineered refueling overhaul. DASO-32 is the last DASO conducted by an Ohio-class SSBN coming out of engineering refueling overhaul (ERO), marking the completion of all post-ERO DASOs for the Ohio-class SSBNs. The Trident II D5LE strategic weapon system is the system that will provide the initial SWS capability for the Columbia-class SSBN. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Tang)

In a demonstration of commitment to bolster the Trident II strategic weapon system, a cornerstone of naval defence for both the United States and the United Kingdom, Lockheed Martin and the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory have secured substantial contracts totalling $4.4bn. 

These agreements reinforce the reliability and innovation of the Trident II strategic weapon system, coming from the US Navy’s recent successful test launch of the Trident II D5 life extension fleet ballistic missile. 

Lockheed Martin’s contract, awarded to support the US Navy, encompasses the technical and engineering support essential for maintaining and sustaining the Trident II strategic weapon system mark 6 guidance subsystem. Additionally, it supports research and development efforts related to the strategic guidance, navigation, and control systems for developing the Mark 7 guidance subsystem. 

This contract also integrates with the construction of the Columbia/Dreadnought-class submarines and addresses reentry subsystems. These efforts also extend to a foreign military sale to the United Kingdom.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The UK has committed more than £800m ($1bn) to a service life extension programme for the Trident II D5 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that the Royal Navy operates as part of the country’s strategic continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent programme.

See Also:

A legacy of reliability in naval defence

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory will play a role in executing these contracts. With work predominantly based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, these endeavours represent a collaborative effort to ensure the continued effectiveness and reliability of the Trident II Strategic Weapon System.

The recent Demonstration and Shakedown Operation-32 (DASO-32) marked a milestone for the Trident II D5 missile, achieving 191 successful test launches since its design completion in 1989. This record shows the missile’s reliability. In another recent Trident II D5 milestone, Northrop Grumman made their 2,000th rocket motor for the US Navy’s Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile. 

Jerry Mamrol, Vice President of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin, emphasized the enduring partnership with the US Navy and the commitment to advancing sea-based strategic deterrence. “We are proud of Lockheed Martin’s nearly seven decades of partnership with the US Navy to develop advanced weapon capabilities to deter threats to our nation and allies. 

As the Navy turns towards the future of sea-based strategic deterrence, our new generation of engineers and technicians are poised to meet the challenges of this next era. Lockheed Martin is already preparing and modernizing the missile for its future launch platform, Columbia-class submarines.”

According to GlobalData’s “US Defense Market 2022-2027” report, the Columbia-class submarines will provide nuclear deterrent capabilities until 2080. the design includes a Common Missile Compartment (CMC), which can host the Trident II ballistic nuclear missile system. 

The Trident II D5 missile is deployed aboard US Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines. This three-stage, solid-propellant, inertial-guided ballistic missile has a nominal range of 4,000 nautical miles and can carry multiple independently targeted reentry vehicles.

From the Polaris to Poseidon to the Trident system, Lockheed Martin’s efforts ensure the seaborne leg of the US Nuclear Triad remains robust and dependable.

As the US and UK navies look to the future of naval defence, these contracts lay the foundation for enhanced strategic capabilities that will continue to protect nations and allies for decades.