What Happened
Navy Invests in Next-Gen Nuclear Missile Development
The U.S. Navy has awarded Lockheed Martin a $76.6 million contract modification for continued design work on the next generation of the Trident II D5 nuclear missile. The effort is part of the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 program, aimed at keeping the submarine-launched weapon in service into the 2080s. Lockheed Martin’s Titusville, Florida division will lead the effort, with work spread across multiple locations. The Navy is obligating the full $76.6 million now from fiscal 2026 weapons procurement funds, with work scheduled to run through Sept. 30, 2030. This development was first reported by The Defence Blog.