WATCH: Royal Navy submarine fires Trident missile

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Watch the successful firing of a Trident ballistic missile by HMS Vigilant during a test launch in the Atlantic Ocean in 2012.

HMS Vigilant is one of four Vanguard Class submarines which maintain the UK’s nuclear deterrent and this firing, the first in three years, confirms the credibility of the deterrent.

The Vanguard submarines will be replaced from 2028 by the Successor which is currently being designed by British companies.

The Trident missile is a submarine-launched ballistic missile equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles.
Originally developed by Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation, the missile is armed with thermonuclear warheads and is launched from nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines. The missiles are carried by fourteen US Navy Ohio-class submarines, with US warheads, and four Royal Navy Vanguard-class submarines, with British warheads.

The Vanguard class is a class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines in service with the Royal Navy.

Each submarine is armed with up to 16 UGM-133 Trident II missiles.

The class was introduced in 1994 as part of the Trident nuclear programme. The class includes four boats: Vanguard, Victorious, Vigilant and Vengeance. All four subs are based at HM Naval Base Clyde near Glasgow.

The missile is named after the mythological trident of Neptune.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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Chris Duncan
7 years ago

I know we have full command of our trident systems, but I’m legitimately curious as to what the owner of that American(?) accent was there for? Some sort of exchange between USN and RN?

Lawrence Wilkinson
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris Duncan

The launch would most likely be taking place on a US range, so US personnel would be in the loop during the exercise.

Ray Lovie
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris Duncan

DASO …Florida

Nick Lockhart
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris Duncan

This is the Gulf of Mexico launch shown here a few week(s?) ago

Stephen Priestley
7 years ago
Reply to  Chris Duncan

The tests are carried out in American territorial waters – thus, a member of the United States Navy and probably a high ranking representative of Lockheed Martin will be present.

Neil Russell
7 years ago

Joe Handy

James Berryman
7 years ago

Older than the sun

Nick Beardshall
7 years ago

YES! WW3 at last!

UK Defence Journal
7 years ago

Eh?

Alan Radisic
7 years ago

Call the medics!!

Nick Beardshall
7 years ago

Bye bye ISIS

David Anthony Simpson
7 years ago

Have you considered treatment?

Keeran Stephenson
7 years ago

Lawrence Herbert

Matthew Groves
7 years ago

Great article and video but one question still remains why do they have camouflage seats?

Alan Radisic
7 years ago
Reply to  Matthew Groves

Those seats actually look like a flowery pattern!!! It caught my eye!!!

David Anthony Simpson
7 years ago
Reply to  Matthew Groves

It’s amazing what a good QM can sort! 🙂

Josh Malt
7 years ago

Peter Walker

Alan Radisic
7 years ago

Those seat covers look like something my granny would have had on her sofa!!!! Whats all that about…. lol…. recaro covers far better!

Alan Radisic
7 years ago

I think the skill of the pencil and pen was superior. An interesting video.

Stephen Priestley
7 years ago

Thats an awesome video…

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

Is it true the U.S. hold our launch codes or is it a myth and UK are in total control of our nukes

Terence Wilson
Terence Wilson
6 months ago

Highly professional operation. Well pleased with that. Feeling secure.