Britain will test-fire a Trident II D5 ballistic missile for the first time since 2016, The Sun reported, citing its sources. The launch will be carried out by the upgraded nuclear submarine HMS Vanguard.
According to the newspaper, the launch of the missile without a warhead will take place at a distance of about 90 km. from the east coast of the USA. The missile is expected to travel about 6,000 km and fall into the sea between Brazil and West Africa. The US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency has already warned shipping companies about the upcoming launch of the missile, which is expected to take place before February 4.
On January 30, the submarine HMS Vanguard was spotted sailing out of Port Canaveral, Florida. According to The Sun, the planned missile launch "is the latest hurdle to HMS Vanguard's return to the British navy" after a seven-year, £500m refit.
The British Navy has launched Trident II D5 missiles five times in the 21st century. The last one took place in 2016 and was unsuccessful. The ballistic missile, manufactured by the American company Lockheed Martin, was launched from the submarine HMS Vengeance. The missile was supposed to fly 9,000 km, but it "dangerously deviated from its course" and automatically self-destructed.
In November 2023, the Sun reported that a Vanguard-class nuclear submarine with Trident II ballistic missiles had almost sunk. According to the publication, the reason is a failure of the depth sensors. There were 140 sailors on board, there were no casualties./BGNES
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