US Navy Conducts Test Launch of Unarmed Trident Nuclear Missiles

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Navy conducted four scheduled missile tests of the Trident II D5 from Sept. 17 to Sept. 21 off Florida.
The tests were part of routine reliability checks and were not in response to current global events.
The Trident II D5 missile is a key component of the U.S. strategic deterrence system with a range of 2,000 to 12,000 kilometers.

U.S. Navy’s Recent Missile Tests

The U.S. Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs carried out four scheduled tests of the unarmed Trident II D5 Life Extension missiles from an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine between September 17 and 21. The tests aimed to validate the reliability of the missile system and were not prompted by any ongoing global events, according to a Navy release.

One of the launches took place on a Sunday, visible from Puerto Rico and showcasing a bright display in the night sky. This event marked the 197th successful flight test of the Trident II D5, emphasizing its importance in the Navy’s capabilities. The missiles were launched from a submerged submarine and safely landed in the Atlantic Ocean. The area was designated a no-fly zone for air traffic, with mariners advised to avoid it during the tests.

Originally developed in the 1980s, the Trident II D5 missiles received a life-extension update in 2017, allowing their service life to extend into the 2040s. Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, highlighted the strategic significance of submarine-launched ballistic missile systems, stating, “Our Nation’s submarine launched ballistic missile system has been a critical component of our national security since the 1960s.”

While there are currently 14 Ohio-class submarines equipped to carry these missiles, the specific vessel used in these tests has not been disclosed. The Trident II D5 missiles boast a minimum range of 2,000 kilometers and a maximum range of 12,000 kilometers, as reported by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Missile Defense Project. They can be armed with either a W76 100-kiloton warhead or a W88 475-kiloton warhead, with the capability to carry an impressive payload of up to 2,800 kilograms.

Both the United States and the United Kingdom deploy the Trident II D5 on their respective Ohio- and Vanguard-class nuclear missile submarines. This missile system also holds the distinction of being the first U.S. submarine-based missile capable of destroying hardened targets, accentuating its role in modern military strategy.

As the Navy continues to conduct these routine missile tests, the reliability and effectiveness of the Trident II D5 remain a crucial aspect of national security.

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