UK: Royal Navy submarine HMS Vanguard fails to launch Trident missile.

According to information published by The Sun on February 20, 2024, a Trident missile launch from a British nuclear submarine failed, resulting in the missile crashing into the ocean just yards from its launch point.
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Video capture of Vanguard class submarine HMS Vigilant's missile launch sequence. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Trident missile system, central to the UK's nuclear deterrent strategy, has experienced a journey marked by both success and controversy since its inception. The Trident program, with its roots in the Cold War era, was designed to provide the UK with an independent nuclear deterrent.

Over the decades, the system has undergone several upgrades and tests to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. The Vanguard-class submarines, including HMS Vanguard, HMS Victorious, HMS Vigilant, and HMS Vengeance, are the platforms from which these ballistic missiles are launched. Each submarine is capable of carrying up to 16 Trident II D5 missiles, which, in turn, can each carry multiple nuclear warheads.

The tests of these missiles are crucial for validating the effectiveness and reliability of the UK's nuclear deterrent. Typically conducted in secrecy, these tests occasionally come to light, especially when they don't go as planned.

A notable instance prior to the 2024 event was in 2016, when a test involving HMS Vengeance experienced a failure. The missile intended for a target area off the coast of West Africa veered off course, prompting an investigation and raising questions about the system's reliability.

Fast forward to January 2024, and the Royal Navy faced a similar setback. HMS Vanguard, following a significant refit and upgrade, was set to test-fire a Trident missile in a bid to reassert the operational capability of the UK's strategic nuclear forces.

This test was not only a routine check but also a critical step in the submarine's return to active service within the UK's nuclear deterrent fleet. However, the test ended in failure, marking the second such incident in less than a decade.