The failed launch was reported as the second failure in eight years. The wider Trident record is put at roughly 190 missiles tested, with around a dozen having had issues. The suggestion that perhaps another dozen had problems at some stage is speculative. Complex systems can fail during realistic tests, and an embarrassing result can reveal a fault before the weapon is needed. A test rigged to guarantee success would leave greater uncertainty about whether the system could actually work.
Notable Point · 0:45-1:26
Why missile-test failures can strengthen reliability
The second reported failure in eight years prompts a defence of realistic testing, supported by rough estimates of Trident's wider test record.