The United Kingdom’s nuclear deterrent remains fully independent, despite common misconceptions, the Ministry of Defence confirmed this week. Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard responded to a parliamentary question from Liberal Democrat MP Manuela Perteghella regarding the UK’s reliance on the United States for its nuclear capabilities.
MP Questions Independence
Perteghella asked what steps were being taken to ensure the UK’s nuclear deterrent remains independent and reduces reliance on the US for the testing, maintenance, and replacement of missiles.
Pollard answered that the UK’s nuclear deterrent is “completely operationally independent” and that only the Prime Minister has the authority to authorise the use of nuclear weapons, even in a NATO context.
He also explained the longstanding relationship between the UK and the US on nuclear matters, which helps reduce the cost of the UK’s nuclear capabilities by allowing the procurement of non-nuclear components, such as the Trident II D5 missile.
The Trident System: Independence Confirmed
The Trident missile system is housed on the UK’s four Vanguard-class submarines, which form the backbone of the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent force. These submarines are armed with up to 16 Trident II D5 missiles, each capable of carrying up to 8 warheads.
The Royal Navy has operated the UK’s Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD) since 1967. The first submarine, HMS Resolution, was equipped with the Polaris missile system, and in 1996, HMS Vanguard took over the deterrent patrol duties with the Trident system.
Pollard addressed a frequent myth regarding the UK’s nuclear deterrent, specifically the belief that the US holds control over the Trident missile system. According to Pollard, this is not the case; the UK retains full operational control of the system.
Myths About Control and GPS
One common argument against the UK’s independence is that the US could “turn off” the GPS system of Trident missiles, preventing their use. However, this is false. Trident missiles are not guided by GPS but instead use a stellar sighting system and inertial navigation, which means they do not rely on satellite signals and cannot be disabled by the US.
The confusion surrounding this issue may stem from the fact that missiles are jointly maintained at the US Strategic Weapons Facility in King’s Bay, Georgia. However, this is purely a cost-saving measure and does not grant the US any control over the missiles.
No US Launch Codes Needed
Unlike the US, where nuclear missiles are controlled by “Permissive Action Links” (PALs) that require authorisation from the US President, the UK’s Trident system does not rely on such codes. The UK’s missiles are controlled through the Royal Navy’s chain of command, with the Prime Minister holding the ultimate authority.
In contrast to the US system, the UK’s warheads are launched by the submarine commander with the support of their crew, and no external code is necessary. Military discipline ensures that the UK’s Trident fleet is secure from unauthorised use.
Conclusion
The UK’s nuclear deterrent is completely under British control, and its operational independence is reaffirmed by the Ministry of Defence. While the UK collaborates with the US for logistical and cost-saving reasons, the UK retains full sovereignty over its nuclear weapons system.
