News Summary
Lockheed Martin has announced the establishment of a new 225,000 square foot facility in Titusville, Florida, dedicated to producing components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile. This expansion will create approximately 300 skilled jobs and is anticipated to enhance U.S. Navy capabilities through 2084. Additionally, the recent $383 million contract modification from the U.S. Navy aims to upgrade the Trident II D5 missile. Florida’s defense landscape further strengthens with NORAD’s upcoming air defense exercises and L3Harris’s missile defense expansion in Palm Bay.
Florida is set to welcome a significant expansion in the defense industry with Lockheed Martin’s decision to establish a new facility in Titusville. Covering approximately 225,000 square feet, this new site will focus on the production of vital components for the D5LE2 submarine-launched ballistic missile. The project promises to create around 300 skilled jobs on Florida’s Space Coast, with operations expected to commence by 2027, enhancing the capabilities of the U.S. Navy over the next sixty years.
The recent development comes on the heels of a $383 million contract modification awarded to Lockheed Martin by the U.S. Navy for the ongoing development of the next-generation Trident II D5 missile. This latest modification is dedicated to upgrading the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) missile, which is being modernized for integration into the COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines. This missile upgrade is pivotal in ensuring that the strategic weapon system remains reliable and effective through to 2084, addressing evolving national security threats.
Lockheed Martin has a longstanding relationship with the U.S. Navy, having supported its Fleet Ballistic Missiles (FBM) program for over seventy years. The Trident D5 missile currently serves on both the U.S. OHIO-class and the U.K. VANGUARD-class submarines, signifying its pivotal role in maritime security and deterrence strategies.
In addition to the expansions in missile production, Florida’s airspace will be notably active with the upcoming Exercise FALCON VIRGO, set to take place on September 9th. This live air defense exercise, conducted by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), will feature F-16 fighter aircraft operating over the Atlantic Ocean between Port St. John and Melbourne. The exercise is part of NORAD’s routine operations designed to prepare for a range of scenarios, including airspace violations, hijackings, and responses to unidentified aircraft. Residents of Brevard County can expect to see F-16s overhead as part of this essential operation to ensure the security and integrity of North American airspace.
NORAD collaborates closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NAV Canada during such exercises to maintain a comprehensive and coordinated air defense infrastructure. The ongoing readiness and training efforts contribute significantly to national security and deterrence capabilities.
Moreover, the missile defense landscape in Florida is further bolstered by L3Harris’s recent $100 million expansion in Palm Bay. This facility is working on the development of a missile defense system dubbed the “Golden Dome,” which is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome. Designed to intercept both hypersonic and ballistic missiles, the Golden Dome aims to provide a layer of protection against potential threats to the U.S. While the timeline for the nationwide deployment of the Golden Dome remains uncertain, it is viewed as a critical step toward enhancing national defense and promoting peace through deterrence.
In conclusion, the establishment of Lockheed Martin’s facility in Titusville, coupled with the initiatives encompassed in NORAD’s exercises and the advancements in missile defense systems, underscores Florida’s integral role in national security. These developments not only promise to create jobs in the region but also significantly enhance the United States’ defense preparedness and technological advancements in missile systems.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Lockheed Martin News
- West Orlando News
- Florida Daily
- Jerusalem Post
- Fox 35 Orlando
- Wikipedia: United States Navy
- Google Search: NORAD
- Google Scholar: Missile Defense
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Defense
- Google News: Florida defense industry
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
