[–] NeedleStack [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
WikiLeaks posted this link in a tweet. Here's the tweet if you're curious.
[–] Owlchemy 0 points 4 points 4 points (+4|-0) ago (edited ago)
Big to do about nothing - LOL. Unarmed Trident ICBM ... test flights always are, and are quite frequently performed... off the coast of Florida. Being a test means that they were using our (US) telemetry for tracking/testing and therefore, we were part of the operation. That's how these work, so no surprise there. And I can't speak for Navy Tridents, but spent most of my life in land based Minuteman testing, so can assure anyone worried, failures happen ... that's why we test, to find problems that may occur and correct them. Test missiles are always, yes always, unarmed, and also fitted with something a real ICBM doesn't have. A destruct system. Every aspect of the flight, from pre-countdown thru arrival in its final phase of deployment is monitored via on board and ground based telemetry, and as soon as the slightest variance from norms is detected, or it veers off-course, it is detonated. Generally over water, even for land based ICBMs, and wouldn't expect that to be different for a Trident.
The only story here, from what I understand, is that Theresa May didn't inform Parliament, as Parliament was debating upgrades to their nuke subs. But to those worried about a nuclear tipped missile headed for Florida, not to worry, it never happened.
[–] NeedleStack [S] 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Uhhh ok, you guys seem to know what you're doing I guess lol.
Hiding the event in order to get approved funding is pretty sneaky and low.
[–] derram ago
https://archive.is/ayMCT | None :
'Downing Street has been accused of covering up a Trident missile malfunction weeks before a crucial Commons vote on the future of the submarine-based missile system. '
'"In June the Royal Navy conducted a routine unarmed Trident missile test launch from HMS Vengeance, as part of an operation which is designed to certify the submarine and its crew. ', "If the information was made public, they knew how damaging it would be to the credibility of our nuclear deterrent.“The upcoming Trident vote made it all the more sensitive.”In July, MPs voted by 472 to 117 to back the renewal of Britain's Trident nuclear deterrence."
'The Sunday Times reports that a Trident II D5 missile test ended in failure after it was launched from the British submarine HMS Vengeance off the coast of Florida in June last year. ', "The overwhelming vote supported the Government's plans to spend up to £40 billion on four new Successor-class submarines."
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