Last week, the U.S. Navy executed a series of planned missile tests for a nuclear-capable arms system off Florida’s coastline, as reported by the military branch.
The Strategic Systems Programs office of the Navy launched unarmed Trident II D5 Life Extension missiles from an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine between September 17 and September 21. This exercise was part of a routine schedule to verify the system’s reliability.
“These missile tests were not a reaction to any current global happenings,” stated a Navy announcement.
One of the launches on Sunday was clearly visible from Puerto Rico, lighting up the night sky, as showcased in images distributed by the Navy.
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This scheduled activity marked the 197th successful flight test of the Trident II D5 strategic weapons system.
The missiles were launched from a submerged submarine and descended into the Atlantic Ocean, as per the announcement.
Prior to the test, pilots were warned about the no-fly zone and mariners were advised to stay clear of the test area.
Originally developed in the 1980s, the D5 missiles underwent a “life-extension refresh” in 2017 to ensure their operational readiness into the 2040s, according to the announcement.
“The submarine-launched ballistic missile system has been a pivotal element of our national defense since the 1960s, and these tests further affirm the credibility and dependability of our strategic deterrence capabilities,” stated Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs.
While the Navy operates 14 Ohio-class submarines that are capable of carrying Trident II D5 missiles, it was not specified which submarine was used for the launches.
The Trident D5 boasts a minimum shooting range of 2,000 kilometers and can reach up to 12,000 kilometers, as noted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ Missile Defense Project.
The Trident missile can be equipped with either a W76 100-kiloton or W88 475-kiloton warhead, and is capable of carrying a payload up to 2,800 kilograms.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom deploy the missile on their Ohio- and Vanguard-class nuclear missile submarines.
It holds the distinction of being the first U.S. submarine-based missile that can destroy hardened targets.
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
