The U.S. Navy, through the Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), confirmed that between September 17 and 21, four test launches of Trident II D5LE ballistic missiles were conducted from an Ohio-class nuclear submarine off the east coast of Florida. One of the tests, carried out on Sunday night, could be observed from Puerto Rico, where images and videos of the phenomenon were shared.
According to the Navy, these test flights are carried out on a scheduled basis to assess the reliability and accuracy of the weapons system, and do not respond to specific international events. With this series of launches, the Trident II D5 reached a total of 197 successful tests since its incorporation into the strategic arsenal.
The missiles were fired from a submerged submarine and fell in a designated area of the Atlantic Ocean. In compliance with safety regulations, notices to mariners (NOTMAR) and aviation (NOTAM) were issued to delimit exclusion zones during the test period.
Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe, Director of Strategic Systems Programs, stated: “Our submarine-launched ballistic missile system has been a critical component of our national security since the 1960s, and these launches continue to demonstrate the credibility and reliability of our strategic deterrent capabilities.”
Wolfe added: “For the SSP team, maintaining our current capability and actively demonstrating through flight testing that the system is ready to respond if required is central to ensuring Peace through Strength. The team is also advancing the development of the next strategic system to ensure the maritime deterrence capability of the future.”
On Monday the 22nd, we reported from Zona Militar that a “military test” had been carried out, though without official confirmation at that time, noting that specialists hypothesized about the collaboration of a Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarine as part of the core of the sea-based nuclear deterrent system between the United Kingdom and the United States. However, following the official communication from the U.S. Navy, this version of multinational collaboration is completely ruled out, showing that the military maneuvers in the Caribbean are being carried out solely by Washington.
The Trident II D5
The Trident II D5 is a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) developed by Lockheed Martin in the 1980s. It has three solid-fueled stages and a range greater than 7,000 kilometers. It is designed to carry up to 12 independent reentry vehicles (MIRV), equipped with W76 or W88 nuclear warheads, with yields ranging from 100 to 475 kilotons.
The system’s modernization was completed in 2017, extending its service life until the 2040s. It currently constitutes the cornerstone of the maritime component of the nuclear triad of both the United States and the United Kingdom.
*Images obtained from the U.S. Navy
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