The United Kingdom tests its first atomic bomb on October 3, 1952. The test was conducted in Main Bay, Trimouille Island (Montebello Islands} off the coast of Western Australia and was known as "Operation Hurricane". The 25-kiloton detonation made the UK the world's third nuclear power, following the United States and the Soviet Union.
The success prompted further tests in Australia at Emu Field and Maralinga. The UK tested its first hydrogen bomb in November 1957.
