Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin commented on information in the media that government of the United Kingdom had hidden reports about failed launch of Trident II D5 missile. “Dangerous incident,” Rogozin wrote on Facebook.
Whitehall had ordered a news blackout to avoid “severe panic,” the Sunday Times reported, as the weapon is deemed to be the backbone of British strategic deterrent.
The failed launch was made from a UK submarine near the US Florida in June, 2016.
The Trident malfunctioned and headed to the mainland during a routine test.
The British government has not officially confirmed the newspaper’s report on the misfire.
There have only been five firing tests by UK Vanguard-class submarines in the 21st century, the Sunday Times reported.
The launches are very expensive, as the missiles cost $21 million apiece.
No news reports followed the test and no usual “successful test flight” announcement was made at that time. Official reasons of the failure are not available.
A navy source told the newspaper: “There was severe panic that this test launch was not successful. Senior figures in military and government were keen that the information was not made public,” the source said. A malfunction of the ballistic missile, could lead to terrifying casualties. It could also raise questions about the reliability of the Royal Navy’s nuclear arsenals.
“Ultimately, Downing Street decided to cover up the failed test,” the source added. “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.”
UK Prime Minister Theresa May avoided any mention of the failed test to ensure that MPs approve spending of 40 billion pounds on new Trident submarines.
She feigned ignorance again on Sunday, talking to the BBC.
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