From September 17 to 21, the night sky over Florida’s east coast was lit up for four consecutive days. An Ohio-class nuclear submarine repeatedly launched Trident II D5 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) from underwater, with fiery trails streaking across the sky. After traveling over 10,000 kilometers, the missiles accurately splashed down in the central Atlantic Ocean, about 1,200 kilometers off the coast of Angola.
This display came just 14 days after China’s September 3rd military parade, where Beijing unveiled five new nuclear-capable missiles, including the DF-5C intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a reported global strike range. Was the U.S. launch a long-planned routine test—or a direct strategic response to China?
China’s DF-5C Catches Washington Off Guard
The DF-5C is the newest upgrade in the DF-5 series, with an estimated range exceeding 20,000 kilometers. Its debut signals that China can strike the U.S. homeland from virtually any direction. While Washington has concentrated missile defenses in the Arctic and Pacific, the Atlantic flank remains a weak spot.
If China can “strike from the Atlantic,” the U.S. must reassess its entire defense posture. This is more than a missile race—it’s a reshaping of the global nuclear balance.
The Timing of the U.S. Test
The U.S. Navy fired four Trident II D5 missiles across four consecutive days—an unusually high frequency—just after China’s parade. Though the missiles carried no warheads, their trajectories stretched far across the Atlantic.
The Pentagon insists the launches were routine reliability tests, but the deliberate publicity and detailed disclosures suggest another message: America, too, possesses credible global nuclear strike capability.
Yet, the test did not demonstrate penetration technologies—a critical capability against modern missile defense systems. By contrast, China’s DF-5C may feature terminal maneuvering or hypersonic warheads, making interception nearly impossible.
China’s Expanding Sea-Based Deterrent
In the past, China’s JL-2 SLBMs had limited range, forcing its submarines into risky patrols deep in the Mediterranean to reach U.S. targets. Now, with the JL-3, Chinese subs can strike the U.S. mainland from the Arabian Sea or even the South Pacific, vastly expanding flexibility.
Reports indicate Chinese submarines already operate in the Indian Ocean, with survey ships even appearing near Gibraltar—moves seen as laying the groundwork for JL-3 deployment.
Thus, China’s parade debut of the JL-3 was a direct counter to America’s submarine force—prompting Washington’s “four-in-a-row” response just two weeks later.
More Than Just China: A Message to Russia and Allies
Some initially linked the tests to tensions in Venezuela. But an ICBM launch is far beyond what’s needed for a regional crisis.
The timing aligns more with nuclear signaling toward both China and Russia. On the eve of the tests, Moscow urged Washington to continue arms control talks. The U.S. response—high-profile missile launches in the Atlantic—was a clear “dual deterrence” signal.
Notably, the missiles tested were the life-extended Trident II D5LE, extending their service to the 2040s. This underscores America’s reliance on aging systems, while China rapidly modernizes its triad with the DF family, JL-3 SLBMs, and upcoming air-launched missiles.
The Gap Between Old and New
The U.S. is attempting to modernize:
- Sentinel ICBMs to replace Minuteman III
- B-21 stealth bombers for air-based deterrence
- Columbia-class submarines to succeed Ohio-class boats
- W93 warheads for future Tridents
But delays plague all programs, leaving Washington in a vulnerable “transition period.” Hence, high-profile missile tests serve more as reassurance than real strength.
A Signal to Nervous Allies
Amid worsening Russia tensions, NATO allies like Estonia have called for Article 4 consultations. Meanwhile, Britain and France’s recognition of Palestine—despite U.S. objections—shows America’s waning influence even among nuclear allies.
Thus, the missile launches were also meant to reassure allies: the U.S. nuclear umbrella still works. The fiery trails over the Atlantic weren’t just aimed at adversaries—they were messages to friends.
The Strategic Reality
Today, U.S. nuclear deterrence faces a “credibility gap”. Allies want proof that missiles can not only fly far, but also survive interception. Meanwhile, China’s DF-5C and JL-3 demonstrate precisely those advantages: long range, flexible deployment, and advanced penetration capabilities.
China still has gaps, especially in air-based nuclear forces—no stealth bombers are yet deployed. But with more nuclear subs and expanding missile coverage, China is edging closer to a true global triad.
Conclusion
The U.S. “four-shot salvo” was technically a reliability test, strategically a response to China, and politically a reassurance to allies.
But without proven penetration technologies or new-generation systems, it looked less like dominance and more like “defensive signaling.”
In truth, it was a passive reaction to growing Chinese and Russian pressure—a reminder that unless Washington accelerates modernization, tests alone cannot rebalance the great-power nuclear competition.
