22 Jan 2017Updated: 21:42, 22 Jan 2017

NUCLEAR ERROR Trident fiasco as Brit sub ‘fired dummy missile at the United States’ in first nuke test for four years

Unarmed Trident II D5 rocket, which can kill millions when fitted with warhead, experienced a serious malfunction during the practice launch off Florida

A MAJOR glitch in a test fire of Britain’s Trident nuclear deterrent saw a dummy missile head towards America, it was reported last night.

The unarmed Trident II D5 missile, which can kill millions when fitted with a nuclear warhead, experienced a serious malfunction during the practice launch off Florida last June.

It was the only firing test of a British nuclear missile in four years and raises serious questions about the reliability and safety of the weapons system.

But the error was hushed up — just weeks before a crucial Commons vote on the future of the Trident missile system, The Sunday Times claimed.

The cause of the failure remains top secret but a senior naval source told the newspaper it may have veered off in the wrong direction. The source said: “There was a major panic at the highest level of government and the military.

“Ultimately Downing Street decided to cover up the failed test. The upcoming Trident vote made it all the more sensitive.” The gaffe came after it was launched from nuclear-armed submarine HMS Vengeance.

It is expected Defence Secretary Michael Fallon will be called to the Commons to answer questions about the test.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/2675087/trident-fiasco-as-brit-sub-fired-dummy-missile-at-the-united-states-in-first-nuke-test-for-four-years/