Trident II D5 Missile

Full Specifications

Trident II D5 Submarine Launched Ballistic Missile

The Trident II D5 missile is the backbone of the United States sea based nuclear deterrent. Deployed aboard Ohio class ballistic missile submarines, it provides a survivable and credible second strike capability that underpins US strategic stability. Designed for long range precision delivery of nuclear warheads, Trident II remains one of the most capable submarine launched ballistic missiles in service today.

Manufacturer

Trident II D5 is developed and produced by Lockheed Martin in the United States. The missile entered service in 1990 and continues to receive life extension upgrades to maintain reliability and accuracy through the 2040s.

Speed

After launch, the missile accelerates to hypersonic velocity. During its ballistic flight and reentry phase, Trident II reaches speeds exceeding Mach 20, making interception extremely difficult.

Range

The missile has an estimated operational range of up to 12000 kilometers, allowing US Navy submarines to strike targets across continents while remaining hidden in open oceans.

Cost and Price

Exact unit cost figures remain classified. Open source estimates suggest each Trident II D5 missile costs approximately 30 million US dollars, excluding warheads and long term sustainment.

Operational Role

Trident II carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, or MIRVs, enabling a single missile to engage several targets with high accuracy. It uses an advanced inertial navigation system with stellar updates, giving it exceptional precision for a strategic nuclear weapon. The missile is operated exclusively by the United States Navy, with a shared pool supporting the United Kingdom strategic deterrent.