Trident missile misfires during test launch from British submarine

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - A Trident missile misfired and plunged into the ocean off the coast of the US state of Florida during a rare test launch by a British nuclear submarine, UK media reported Wednesday.

Sky News, citing Defense Ministry sources, confirmed the occurrence of an "anomaly" during the drill involving the HMS Vanguard, but officials maintained that the UK's nuclear deterrent remains "safe, secure, and effective."

During routine patrols, the missiles are often loaded with nuclear warheads, although they are not set up for test firing.

The fault appears to be linked to the nature of the test-firing itself.

The incident, which reportedly took place on Jan. 30, was initially disclosed by The Sun daily, which also said Defense Secretary Grant Shapps was present on board the submarine during the mishap.

This marks the second consecutive Trident missile failure for the Royal Navy's aging nuclear weapons fleet, following a similar problem encountered during another test-firing back in 2016.