Trident II D5 (ballistic missile)

2024: Test failure in Britain

On February 20, 2024, it became known that Britain conducted an unsuccessful test launch of the Trident II D5 ballistic missile from the HMS Vanguard nuclear submarine. This is the second disastrous start since 2016, when during testing the rocket deviated from the course and self-destructed.

According to The Sun, the next tests took place on January 30, 2024 off the coast of Florida. It was planned that a 58-ton missile with simulators of warheads will fly almost 6 thousand km - about to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. However, immediately after the start "there was an anomaly." The accelerators of the first stage of the rocket did not work, and the Trident II D5 simply fell into the water and sank.

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Lockheed Martrin

The British Ministry of Defense does not disclose the details of the incident for national security reasons. It is only noted that the crew of the submarine proved its readiness to carry out such missions, and the submarine itself was not damaged as a result of the unsuccessful launch.

The test confirmed the effectiveness of the British nuclear deterrent force, which we are absolutely certain of. HMS Vanguard and its crew have proven their full readiness to operate Britain's maritime deterrent, the department said in a statement.

It is noted that in the event of a nuclear conflict, each of the four nuclear submarines of the Vanguard type will be able to launch 16 Trident II D5 missiles with several warheads. The cost of each rocket is approximately $21.44 million. Britain has carried out 12 Trident II test launches since the weapon entered Royal Navy service in 1994. Even though the two launches failed, the missile maker - Lockheed Martin - insists the Trident IIs are "the most advanced ballistic missiles in the world."^[1]

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