Sir: The British Trident system is not "fully operationally independent of the US" (Government backs off from replacing Trident missile fleet, July 27). The missiles are loaned from the US and serviced at Kings Bay Submarine Base, Georgia. Although the warheads are assembled at Aldermaston, some key components are produced in the US.
No doubt the Prime Minister must authorize the use of Trident, but unless it is to be fired virtually indiscriminately, its targeting is dependent upon US satellite navigation systems.
