Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (CSDL) is a U.S.-based non-profit research and development organization with a long history of supporting the submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) and the intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) with guidance systems.[i] CSDL is not open to external investors but is significantly involved in research and design for U.S. and UK Trident II (D5) missiles.[ii] According to the U.S. Department of Defence, “CSDL possesses the unique knowledge of the total Trident Guidance system including its design and use on the Trident II weapon system.”[iii] There are several outstanding contracts between the U.S. and CSDL for Trident-related work, with the estimated total value exceeding $5.1 billion.[iv] Some ensure work through at least 2029.[v]
[i] About Us (no date) | Draper. Available at: About Us :: Draper (Accessed: 18 February 2026). History (no date) | Draper. Available at: History :: Draper (Accessed: 18 February 2026).
[ii] Navy Strategic Systems (no date)| Draper. Available at: https://www.draper.com/explore-solutions/trident-ii-mark-6-mod-1-guidance-system (Accessed: 18 February 2026).
[iii] Contracts for September 30, 2019 (2019) U.S. Department of War. Available at: https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/1975222// (Accessed: 18 February 2026).
[iv] CONTRACT to CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., THE.| USAspending, 30 August 2023. Available at: CONTRACT to CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., THE | USAspending (Accessed: 18 February 2026); Contracts for August 30, 2023 (2023) U.S. Department of War. Available at: > U.S. Department of Defense > Contract (Accessed: 18 February 2026); Contracts for September 29, 2023 (2023) U.S. Department of War. Available at: Contracts for August 30, 2023 (2023) U.S. Department of War. Available at: > U.S. Department of Defense > Contract (Accessed: 18 February 2026); CONTRACT to CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., THE. | USAspending, 26 February 2021. Available at: https://www.usaspending.gov/award/CONT_AWD_N0003021C0008_9700_-NONE-_-NONE- (Accessed: 18 February 2026);
Contracts for February 26, 2021 (2021) U.S. Department of War. Available at: https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2518088/ (Accessed: 18 February 2026); CONTRACT to CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., THE. | USAspending, 1 October 2023. Available at: CONTRACT to CHARLES STARK DRAPER LABORATORY, INC., THE | USAspending (Accessed: 18 February 2026);
Contracts for September, 29, 2023 (2023) U.S. Department of War. Available at: > U.S. Department of Defense > Contract (Accessed: 18 February 2026).
[v] Ibid.
Last updated: 2026-06-08 15:09:37