The modernization centers on the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 weapon system and the W93/Mk7 warhead development program. D5LE2 is planned to replace the currently deployed Trident II D5 weapon system, which was first deployed on Ohio-class submarines more than 35 years ago.
The current D5 Life Extension program has extended the service life of the deployed Trident II D5 system. PAE SSP said further mitigation of aging and obsolescence is not practical without a broader modernization effort.
The D5LE will remain in service through the 2040s for the remaining life of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines and as the initial loadout on the Columbia-class submarines. That service period is more than double the historical service life of any previous generation of submarine-launched ballistic missile.
The Navy’s solution is D5LE2, a next-generation system designed to ensure a credible sea-based deterrent for decades. The system will combine proven, cost-effective and updated components to preserve reliability while adapting to new security challenges.
The modernization also includes the W93/Mk7 warhead development program. PAE SSP said it is the first new U.S. nuclear warhead development program in nearly 40 years and is being conducted with the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Since 1955, PAE SSP has overseen the full lifecycle of each generation of the Navy’s sea-based weapon system. Its responsibilities have extended from the Polaris A1 in the 1950s to the current Trident II D5LE system.
On March 16, the Department of the Navy announced PAE SSP’s transition to a Portfolio Acquisition Executive. The move reinforces its acquisition authority and accountability across regional deterrence and homeland deterrence programs.
“That mentality is already part of our system,” said Mr. James “Jim” Kern, PAE SSP’s chief engineer. “I’m big into complete ownership of the lifecycle.”
“I believe my team’s willingness to accept complete responsibility and accountability for their areas of ownership is a hallmark of our success. I have zero fear of expectation.”
The D5LE2 program has an initial fleet introduction planned for FY39. It achieved a Milestone B decision in mid-2025 and is now in the engineering and manufacturing development phase of the acquisition process.
“Reaching the Milestone B decision for D5LE2 marked a key phase in the development of sea-based strategic deterrence,” said Mrs. Kelly Lee, the executive director for PAE SSP. “We keep pushing forward, working collaboratively with our industry partners to accelerate D5LE2 development at an aggressive pace, embracing a wartime mindset.”
PAE SSP is also modernizing testing and support infrastructure for the future system. In November 2025, it brought online Strategic Weapons Systems Ashore, a test facility for modernizations and alterations of Trident II D5 weapon systems and Strategic Weapon Support System equipment before fleet deployment.
The facility expands ground-based testing for sea-based strategic weapons systems. PAE SSP said the capability is intended to support the Columbia-class submarines as they enter service.
In February, Naval Ordnance Test Unit broke ground on a new Engineering Test Facility. The project is one of nearly 30 planned through 2032 to improve testing and evaluation capabilities for the Trident weapon system.
“This Engineering Test Facility represents a critical investment in the infrastructure that underpins our most vital mission,” said Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., former director of PAE SSP. “This building will be a hub of innovation, a place where our talented engineers and scientists can develop and test cutting-edge technologies, ensuring our Sailors have the most accurate, reliable system at their disposal, modernizing the most survivable and effective leg of our nuclear triad for decades to come.”
Other infrastructure upgrades are taking place across the United States. Strategic Weapons Facility Atlantic in Kings Bay, Georgia, is expanding missile production capacity for future Columbia-class submarines.
Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific in Bangor, Washington, is planning a large recapitalization program. PAE SSP said the effort is roughly equal to the output of the nation’s largest construction firm and could create significant partnership opportunities for local businesses.
PAE SSP is also using acquisition transformation tools from the Department of War to accelerate technology advances. It is coordinating a comprehensive D5LE2 program plan covering requirements, acquisition, infrastructure, lifecycle maintenance, delivery to submarine forces and disposal.
The organization has also started knowledge-building efforts with the Columbia-class Pre-commissioning Unit. Those efforts include visits to SWS Ashore and week-long orientation events with program offices, industry and laboratory partners.
“I’m really interested in getting that direct interface…,” said Senior Chief Adrian Rowe, the SWS master chief for PCU District of Columbia. “Being able to talk directly to the people who are developing the systems and proofing the technology – I think it puts the pieces in order and helps us to have a fuller understanding of what we are doing.”
While nuclear triad modernization remains its core mission, PAE SSP is also expanding its portfolio for emerging threats. The organization is developing regional deterrence options including the nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missile and the non-nuclear hypersonic Conventional Prompt Strike system.
The article cited former U.S. Strategic Command commander Adm. Chas Richard’s comments on the wider meaning of strategic weapons. He said: “…all nuclear weapons are strategic, but not all strategic weapons are nuclear.”
PAE SSP said its lifecycle ownership model supports long-term planning before D5LE2 deployment in the early 2040s. The command framed the modernization effort as a way to preserve sea-based strategic deterrence while preparing weapons, infrastructure and crews for the Columbia-class era.
