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11-10-2015 10:21 AM |
Members of Congress, USSTRATCOM commander observe missile launch from ballistic missile submarine
Testing a missile without issuing broad prior notice is essential for national security, a military expert told the Los Angeles Times. The military is determined to keep tests shrouded in secrecy in order to thwart any efforts by potential adversaries ? namely Russia and China ? to monitor the missile launch and flight, he said. Tracking its trajectory, speed, electromagnetic emissions and other characteristics in real time could provide insights into potential vulnerabilities. The Russians and Chinese would have great interest in finding ways to defeat this type of missile.
USSTRATCOM commander Admiral Cecil D Haney said: "A credible, effective nuclear deterrent is essential to our national security and the security of US allies and friends. The strategic weapons tests demonstrate the readiness of our nation's nuclear triad, and serve to assure our allies and deter our potential adversaries."
The latest launch marked the 156th successful test flight of the Trident II (D5) missile conducted by SSP since 1989. In February, the US Navy conducted the 155th test flight of two Trident II D5 Fleet ballistic missiles from a submerged Ohio-class submarine.
The U.S. Navy launched a second missile from a submarine off the coast of Southern California Monday, two days after an unannounced launch that caused alarm and speculation along the West Coast among those who witnessed the missile streaking through the night sky.
According to the Navy, Monday?s launch from a submarine of an unarmed Trident II D5 ballistic missile was the second and final part of what it calls demonstration and shakedown operations. Both missiles landed in the Eastern Missile Range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Trident II D5 Fleet Ballistic Missile (FBM) · Lockheed Martin
https://www.orbitalatk.com/flight-sy...ems/tridentII/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UGM-133_Trident_II
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