U.S. Conducts Trident II D5 SLBM Test in Atlantic

On September 21, 2025, a UGM-133A Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missile test was carried out in the Atlantic Ocean by a U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine. The test was not announced in advance, which attracted attention, and the launch was recorded in the sky by local residents in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. Videos shared on social media clearly showed a bright light trail and the missile rising to high altitude.

U.S. officials had issued “Navigational Warnings” five days earlier, on September 16, to ensure the safety of air and sea traffic in the area. However, the lack of broad public announcement surprised regional countries and international media.

A U.S. Navy Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) conducted a test launch of the UGM-133 Trident II Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in the Atlantic Ocean. pic.twitter.com/bpOBls7VIP

— Mintel World (@mintelworld) September 22, 2025

It is stated that the test, carried out in the wake of the political and military crisis with Venezuela, may not only be for technical purposes, but also carries a possible political message.

Recent tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela highlight power displays in the region. The U.S. recently sent warships to the Caribbean Sea, deployed F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and MQ-9 Reaper drones to Puerto Rico, and carried out air operations on boats suspected of drug trafficking. In this context, the launch of the Trident missile from the territorial waters is seen as a deterrent message to Venezuela.

U.S. authorities have not yet released official details about the test, but it is considered to have both technical verification and strategic signaling purposes.

UGM-133A Trident II D5 SLBM

The UGM-133A Trident II D5 SLBM is known as one of the most important components of the U.S. strategic ballistic missile inventory. Developed in the late Cold War era and entering service in 1990, the system is currently used by both the U.S. Navy and the United Kingdom’s Royal Navy.

Technical Specifications:

• Range: Over 7,000 km, up to 12,000 km depending on warhead configuration
• Weight: ~59 tons
• Length: 13.4 meters
• Diameter: 2.11 meters
• Guidance: Astro-inertial guidance with integrated GPS
• CEP: ~90 meters

The Trident II D5 can carry Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV). This allows a single missile to carry multiple nuclear warheads that can be directed to different targets. Each missile can carry 8 to 12 W76 (100 kt) or W88 (475 kt) nuclear warheads. This multiple warhead structure allows the missile to attack different points at the same time and increases its ability to overwhelm air defense systems.

The Trident II D5 forms one of the strongest pillars of U.S. nuclear deterrence. These missiles are carried on Ohio-class SSBNs, and their location on hard-to-detect underwater platforms ensures the U.S. second-strike capability.

The Trump administration plans to increase the production of Columbia-class submarines and modernize the existing Ohio-class submarines. Officials say the goal is to strengthen the U.S. Navy’s nuclear deterrence and maintain technological superiority in undersea warfare.

The administration intends to accelerate the Columbia-class program to replace aging Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. At the same time, it seeks to upgrade Ohio-class submarines with advanced systems, improved stealth capabilities, and extended operational life.

By expanding production and modernizing its fleet, the U.S. aims to ensure a credible second-strike capability and strengthen its strategic deterrence posture against potential adversaries.