Shapps Addresses Nuclear Deterrent Program’s Readiness
Britain’s Defense Secretary Grant Shapps responded to concerns raised after a failed test launch of a Trident II missile, emphasizing that the country’s nuclear deterrent remains functional and prepared for action. The missile, launched from a Royal Navy’s HMS Vanguard-class submarine off Florida’s coast, encountered a setback when its booster engine failed, causing it to sink. Despite this anomaly, Shapps affirmed the effectiveness of the UK’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
Controversy Surrounding Missile Test Failure
The failed missile test, the second consecutive incident after a 2016 mishap, has sparked debate and criticism. The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament condemned the test as a “colossal waste of money,” questioning the Defense Secretary’s involvement in what they described as an expensive failure. Former activist David Cullen highlighted concerns about the program’s reliability and escalating costs.
UK’s Nuclear Deterrent Program Overview
The UK’s nuclear deterrent program comprises four Vanguard-class submarines, each capable of carrying Trident II D5 ballistic missiles. These submarines operate in a strategic rotation, ensuring constant readiness and the element of surprise for potential adversaries. The Ministry of Defense underscores the program’s continuity since its inception in 1969, emphasizing the secrecy surrounding submarine deployments as a key deterrence strategy.