A recurring claim holds that American control of GPS would prevent Britain from operating an independent nuclear deterrent. Polaris and Trident targeting did not depend on a satellite system likely to be attacked or disrupted in a major war. The submarines instead used extremely accurate star charts and celestial observations for navigation. Peacetime dependence on a familiar technology cannot simply be projected onto a system designed to survive nuclear conflict. This technical point adds context to Speed's earlier distinction between British control and the deterrent's NATO commitment.
Notable Point · 34:55-36:10
Why Polaris navigation did not depend on GPS
A common objection to British deterrent independence overlooks the star-based navigation used by ballistic-missile submarines instead of GPS.