So much for the UKs nuclear deterrent

This a not just an embarrassment. I would say this weakens our defence against Russia. The value of these weapons is 99% deterrent and 1% usage. If they ain't going to work when the PM gives the order, they are an expensive waste of time. But its worse than that. The reduced effectiveness of our deterrent will already be factored into the Russian's calculation when it comes to .... I dunno.... dropping a few big conventional weapons over Britain or a nuke in the north sea. Unlikely I think but more likely than it was thanks to our armed forces that badly fcuked up.

Lord West gave a different theory than Adrian's R4 guest, about the test not being worthwhile as it behaves differently with a warhead attached:
"Live active missiles with warheads, we know will work and let’s hope we never have to use them."

The only answer us mortals are ever going to be given as to why this test failed is one which doesn't hugely harm our deterrent. We will not know for decades and decades whether or not there is a systemic problem.

Finally if this really was another case of "wrong coords" put in - a lot of people in charge of process and systems need to be sacked (not the person at the bottom of the food chain who actually made the mistake)

From all accounts we are now seeing, it 'plopped in the ocean': so that will have zero to do with targeting.

I'd like to think the usage was a LOT lower than 1%.

Each of the four subs can carry 16 missiles, each with up to 12 warheads. I make that a theoretical possible maximum of 768 warheads. 1% usage would NOT be a good thing AT ALL.

Well, I suppose the military “intelligence” from the other sides know exactly how many deterrent they have to face. 3 failures from 194 tests?