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03 October 2023
by Michael Fabey
An unarmed Trident II (D5LE) missile launches from the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS
Wyoming
during a Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 31 in September 2021. A similar test was conducted on 27 September 2023 from the submarine USS
Louisiana
.
(US Navy)
The Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine USS
Louisiana
(SSBN 743) launched an unarmed life-extended Trident II (D5LE) missile on 27 September on the Western Test Range off the coast of San Diego, California for a scheduled missile test flight, the US Navy (USN) confirmed on 28 September.
This test marked the 191st successful Trident II (D5 & D5LE) strategic weapon system (SWS) missile launch since starting operations in 1989, USN officials said.
The tests help sustain the weapons system and ensure the United States sea-based strategic deterrence capability through 2084, Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe Jr, the director for Strategic Systems Programs, said in a statement.
The navy purchased over 530 D5 missiles to support the Trident fleet, the Congressional Research Service (CRS) noted in a report released in May on US strategic forces.
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