The US Navy successfully conducted a scheduled two-missile test launch of un-armed life-extended Trident D5LE nuclear missiles from the USS Wyoming on Friday.
The USS Wyoming (SSBN-742), an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine, was floating off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Florida when it completed the test, which was part of a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation, designated DASO-31.
A DASO is conducted to asses the fitness of the ballistic missile submarine and its crew before being sent out for operational deployment after the ship's refueling overhaul.
Friday's launch marks 184 successful missile test flights of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) SWS. The last Trident II (D5LE) launch was completed in February 2021 off the coast of Florida.
Director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe, said on Friday, 'Today's test demonstrates the unmatched reliability of our sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is made possible by a dedicated team of military, civilian and industry partners who bring expertise and dedication to the mission that is truly extraordinary.'
He explained, 'This same team is now developing the next generation of the Trident Strategic Weapon System, which will extend our sea-based strategic deterrent through 2084.'
The US Navy successfully conducted a scheduled two-missile test launch of un-armed life-extended Trident D5LE nuclear missiles on Friday off the coast of Cape Canaveral
The USS Wyoming (SSBN-742) is an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine which primarily serves as deterrence
Friday's launch marks 184 successful missile test flights of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) SWS
The US has a fleet of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. The country currently has the largest fleet of submarines in the world
The Navy announced that the Trident II missiles have undergone 'a life extension program to address potential impacts from aging and obsolescence' and are now ready to be deployed along with the rest of the fleet alongside the UK Vanguard-class, US Colombia-class, UK Dreadnought-class.
The US has a fleet of 14 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines which carry about half of the US active strategic thermo-nuclear warheads. Every submarine carries 24 trident missiles carrying up to 8 nuclear warheads.
The 14 ballistic missile submarines primarily serve as nuclear deterrence to display the country's readiness and capability to defend itself and allies.
Each Ohio-class submarine estimated an annual cost of $170 million, equating to the US spending $2.4 billion a year on operating these deterrence ships.
These tests are scheduled years in advance and are executed with unarmed flights. The Navy reported that 'the missile test was not conducted in response to any ongoing world events, nor as a demonstration of power.'
Despite being scheduled, the nuclear ballistic missile submarines comes as the US has penned a deal to work with the UK to build nuclear-powered submarines for Australia.
The Navy stated the tests are scheduled years in advance and 'not conducted in response to any ongoing world events, nor as a demonstration of power'
The deal has greatly angered France, who had previously signed a $90 billion deal to build Australia's ships, and China who is threated by Australia's decision to begin acquiring nuclear weapons.
Australia will build a fleet of nuclear submarines to counter China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific as part of a new strategic partnership with its two most important allies.
Scott Morrison said the submarines would be built in Adelaide
