The U.S. Navy launched four Trident II D5 missiles from a submerged Ohio-class submarine off Florida, marking the 197th successful test.
The U.S. Navy completed four scheduled flight tests of its nuclear-capable Trident II D5 Life Extension missiles last week. The launches took place off the coast of Florida between September 17 and September 21.
According to the service, the event was routine and not connected to current global tensions.One of the launches lit up the night sky over Puerto Rico, with images later shared by the Navy. The tests marked the 197th successful flight of the Trident II D5, a submarine-launched ballistic missile first deployed in the 1980s.The Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs oversaw the event. The missiles were fired from a submerged Ohio-class submarine and struck a designated zone in the Atlantic Ocean. Notices to Airmen and Mariners were issued in advance, closing off flight paths and shipping lanes for safety.“These test flights were part of a planned test event and resulted in the achievement of 197 total successful missile flight test launches of the Trident II D5 strategic weapon system,” the Navy said in a release.The Trident II D5 underwent a major life-extension program in 2017 to keep it operational into the 2040s. Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs, said the tests underscore the importance of the system.“Our Nation’s 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 deterrence capabilities,” Wolfe said.Core of the US nuclear triadThe United States operates 14 Ohio-class submarines capable of carrying the Trident II D5. Each can deploy up to 24 missiles. These vessels make up the sea-based leg of the nuclear triad, alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles on land and nuclear weapons delivered by bombers.The Pentagon designed the triad to ensure no single strike could eliminate all three legs. The system guarantees a retaliatory response in the event of nuclear attack, reinforcing deterrence.The Trident II D5 can carry either a W76 100-kiloton or a W88 475-kiloton warhead. It has a minimum range of 2,000 kilometers and can reach as far as 12,000 kilometers .The missile can also carry payloads of up to 2,800 kilograms. Both the United States and the United Kingdom deploy the weapon on their Ohio- and Vanguard-class submarines.Wolfe emphasized that testing keeps the program credible while also preparing for the future. “For the dedicated SSP team, maintaining our current capability and actively demonstrating through flight testing that the system is ready to respond if called upon is central to ensuring our nation’s Peace through Strength,” he said in an official press release.He added that the Navy is “pushing ahead developing the next generation strategic weapon system to ensure the sea-based deterrence capability of tomorrow.”Strategic Systems Programs, the Navy command Wolfe leads, manages the Trident system from development to deployment.Its responsibilities include training, facilities, equipment, and personnel needed to maintain the weapon’s readiness.
Nuclear Deterrence Ohio-Class Submarine SLBM Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile Trident II D5 U.S. Navy
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