US Navy funds nuclear submarine missile control upgrade for Trident II

The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Mission Systems a $255 million contract to sustain and modernize the fire control system for the Trident II D5 ballistic missile, ensuring its compatibility with both the current Ohio-class and future Columbia-class ballistic missile submarines. This upgrade is critical for maintaining the precision, reliability, and operational continuity of the sea-based leg of the US nuclear triad as the Navy transitions to the next-generation Columbia-class submarines. The contract covers lifecycle support, development, production, and installation of the new fire control systems through 2032, with most work conducted in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Trident II Fire Control System serves as the digital interface that integrates the submarine’s navigation, mission computers, and missile launch tubes, managing targeting data, ballistic trajectories, and launch parameters while submerged. It supports up to 24 Trident II missiles on Ohio-class submarines and will be adapted for Columbia-class boats to maintain seamless operational compatibility. This modernization effort underpins the continuity of the