The Trident II D5 is a U.S. submarine-launched ballistic missile built for strategic nuclear deterrence aboard Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines. The Navy describes it as a three-stage, solid-fuel, inertially guided missile with a 4,000 nautical mile range, while the D5LE refresh entered the Fleet in early 2017 to extend service life into the 2040s.
UGM-133A Trident II D5 and D5LE missiles are fielded as submarine-launched strategic deterrent weapons aboard U.S. and UK ballistic-missile submarines; public sources document deterrent patrol, readiness, and test-launch activity rather than armed-conflict firing.
The Trident II D5 family uses D5/D-5 and UGM-133A designation forms for the baseline missile; the variant rows distinguish the D5 life-extension refresh and the planned D5LE2 follow-on.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trident II D5 Life Extension (D5LE) | Life-extension refresh | Life-extended D5 missiles entered fleet service in early 2017. Navy sources describe D5LE as extending Trident II service into the 2040s and as the initial strategic weapon system for Columbia-class and UK Dreadnought-class submarines. Sources: Trident II (D5) Missile | U.S. Navy Fact File, D5LE Readiness Launches, SSP Trident II D5LE2 Development |
| Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2) | Second life-extension / modified flight system | Navy SSP identifies D5LE2 as the modified Trident II flight system that follows D5LE as inventory ages. Lockheed Martin says the upgraded missile is being designed for Columbia-class carriage and strategic-deterrent service through 2084. Sources: SSP Trident II D5LE2 Development, Lockheed Martin D5LE2 Award |
Official U.S. Navy and Royal Navy sources identify Trident II D5 as a submarine-launched ballistic missile carried by current and successor deterrent submarines.
| Launcher | Launcher type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine | The U.S. Navy says Ohio-class SSBNs carry Trident II D5 (LE) missiles, with four missile tubes deactivated under New START and a current maximum of 20 missiles. Sources: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines - SSBN, Trident II (D5) Missile | U.S. Navy Fact File |
 | Nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine | The Royal Navy says each Vanguard-class submarine is armed with Trident 2 D5 missiles, and the U.S. Navy fact file lists UK Vanguard-class submarines as a Trident II D5 platform. Sources: Vanguard Class Nuclear Submarine, Trident II (D5) Missile | U.S. Navy Fact File |
 | Future nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine | The U.S. Navy identifies Columbia-class SSBNs as the future sea-based strategic deterrent and lists Trident II D5 (LE) armament; Strategic Systems Programs says early Columbia hulls will use D5LE before D5LE2 introduction. Sources: Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines - SSBN, SSP Trident II D5LE2 Development |
 | Future nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine | Royal Navy material says Dreadnought-class submarines will be capable of launching Trident 2 D5 missiles, and U.S. Navy material says D5LE missiles will be initially carried aboard UK Dreadnought-class submarines. Sources: Royal Navy Dreadnought class, Trident II (D5) Missile | U.S. Navy Fact File |
Trident II D5 is documented in public sources as a strategic-deterrent weapon system, not as a weapon fired in an armed conflict. The visible service record is built around submarine patrol availability, unarmed Demonstration and Shakedown Operation launches, Commander Evaluation Tests, and the U.S.-UK transition from Ohio and Vanguard submarines to Columbia and Dreadnought successors.
U.S. Ohio-class SSBNs and UK Vanguard-class submarines carry Trident II D5 or D5LE missiles.
U.S. Columbia-class and UK Dreadnought-class submarines are planned around D5LE and D5LE2 strategic weapon-system integration.
The cited record supports deterrent fielding and test launches, not combat firing against an adversary.
The Navy fact file lists the Trident II (D5) date deployed as 1990, marking the missile's introduction aboard Ohio-class submarines.
Sources: Trident II (D5) Missile | U.S. Navy Fact File
Strategic Systems Programs says life-extended D5LE missiles were introduced to the Fleet in early 2017 and will serve through the remaining service life of the U.S. Ohio-class and UK Vanguard-class submarines.
Sources: D5LE Readiness Launches
Lockheed Martin reported a Navy award for the next generation of deterrence at sea, naming the upgraded Trident II D5LE2 missile.
Sources: Lockheed Martin D5LE2 Award
Strategic Systems Programs describes D5LE2 full boat loadouts beginning in 2039, after D5LE use on early Columbia-class hulls.
Sources: SSP Trident II D5LE2 Development
