The UK suffered another embarrassing failure of its Trident nuclear missile system during a recent test launch. According to The Sun, the £17 million missile plopped harmlessly into the ocean after its rocket booster failed to ignite properly.
The incident occurred January 30th off the coast of Florida with the UK Defense Secretary aboard the submarine HMS Vanguard observing. The missile deployed successfully but then plunged back down right next to the sub when its first stage failed to fire.
While the Vanguard crew wasn’t in danger, having completed their doomsday drill, the failure was humiliating. Especially as it was the second dud Trident test since 2016. That one veered off course and had to be destroyed.
Officials quickly insisted the deterrent remains “effective” despite the setback. But details are scarce, with the government citing national security. All the public knows is some unnamed “anomaly” caused the debacle.
The failed launch resurrects concerns about the reliability of the Tridents, which are slated for a £40 billion upgrade. But officials call it an isolated incident unrelated to the program’s overall dependability.
Mishaps are undoubtedly expected during testing of complex weapons like ICBMs. But back-to-back failures dent public confidence in the Tridents as the backbone of UK defense. It also hands ammunition to critics who see nukes as costly and dangerous relics.
However, abandoning Trident would relinquish the UK’s seat among nuclear powers. The government argues deterrence requires capabilities matching potential threats. But stylish new submarines may not offset doubts raised by seeing missiles fizzle.
Technical snafus are downplayed for security reasons. But the veil of secrecy undermines accountability too. The public is left to hope its apocalyptic arsenal works when needed, if ever. Regular visible failures chip away at that existential reassurance.
