Trident II D5 Missile: U.S. and U.K. Strengthen Nuclear Deterrence with $647 Million Contract

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The United States Department of Defense has awarded a $647 million contract to Lockheed Martin to continue production of the submarine-launched Trident II D5 ballistic missile. The agreement, announced on September 30, 2025, underscores Washington’s commitment to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent in partnership with the United Kingdom. With options included, the total value of the contract could rise to $746 million, ensuring long-term support for one of the most important elements of the U.S. and British strategic arsenal.

Trident II D5. Photo: navy.mil

The Trident II D5 Missile

The Trident II D5 has been the backbone of the U.S. and U.K. sea-based nuclear forces since its deployment in 1990. The Trident II D5 missile measures 44 feet in length and has a diameter of 83 inches, making it one of the largest submarine-launched ballistic missiles in service. Weighing approximately 130,000 pounds, it is propelled by a three-stage solid-fuel rocket system that provides both reliability and rapid launch capability. Its design reflects decades of engineering refinement aimed at maximizing range, accuracy, and survivability.

Range and Guidance Systems

With a range exceeding 7,500 miles, or roughly 12,000 kilometers, the Trident II D5 can strike targets across continents with remarkable precision. Its stellar-aided inertial guidance system allows the missile to navigate independently, even in environments where GPS signals may be denied or disrupted. This combination of long reach and advanced navigation ensures that the missile remains a credible deterrent under any operational conditions.

Warhead Capabilities

The missile is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, commonly known as MIRVs. These warheads include the U.S. W76, with a yield of 100 kilotons, and the more powerful W88, with a yield of 475 kilotons. By deploying several warheads on a single missile, the Trident II D5 can engage multiple targets simultaneously, significantly enhancing its strategic effectiveness.

Life Extension Program

To ensure the missile remains effective well into the 2040s, the Trident II D5 is undergoing continuous modernization through the D5 Life Extension Program. This initiative includes upgrades to guidance systems, electronics, and reentry vehicles, allowing the missile to remain compatible with evolving submarine platforms. By extending the operational life of the system, the program avoids the need for an entirely new missile design while preserving proven capabilities.

Strategic Rationale

The decision to extend production of the Trident II D5 comes at a time of heightened global tension and renewed nuclear competition. Both Russia and China are modernizing their nuclear arsenals, prompting the United States and its allies to reinforce their own deterrence posture. Maintaining a credible and survivable sea-based deterrent is seen as essential to ensuring strategic stability and preventing potential adversaries from miscalculating.

Commitment to the Nuclear Triad

The U.S. nuclear triad, consisting of land-based missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and strategic bombers, is designed to guarantee a second-strike capability under any circumstances. The Trident II D5 plays a particularly vital role because submarines are the most survivable leg of the triad, capable of remaining hidden beneath the oceans for extended periods. By continuing to invest in this system, Washington and London reaffirm their commitment to sustaining a balanced and credible deterrent force.

Political and Alliance Significance

Beyond its military value, the continuation of the Trident II D5 program carries important political implications. It sends a clear signal to NATO allies that the United States and the United Kingdom remain committed to collective defense and extended deterrence. At the same time, it serves as a warning to potential adversaries that any attempt to challenge Western security will be met with a robust and modern nuclear response.

Industrial and Technological Impact

Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor for the Trident program since its inception, and this new contract ensures continuity of expertise within the defense industrial base. Sustaining production not only secures thousands of jobs but also preserves specialized technical knowledge that would be difficult to reconstitute if lost. The agreement also strengthens the supply chain of subcontractors and partners that contribute to the missile’s complex design and manufacturing process.

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