US Test-Fires ‘Nuclear Deterrent’ Minuteman III ICBM

The US Air Force Global Strike Command has conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to showcase its readiness.

“This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the US’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective,” the service said in a statement.

The missile, equipped with multiple targeted re-entry vehicles, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

After liftoff, it flew approximately 4,200 miles (6,759 kilometers) to reach a test site on the Marshall Islands.

Similar ICBM tests have been carried out 300 times prior to this recent test.

Features

The Minuteman III system is designed for strategic defense and has a range of 5,218 nautical miles (6,000 miles/9,656 kilometers) and a maximum speed of 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) per hour.

Missiles are housed in reinforced underground silos to protect them from potential attacks.

The silos are linked to underground launch control centers via hardened cables for secure communication and command.

The system includes multiple communication networks to ensure immediate and reliable contact between launch crews and top national leadership, including the US president and the secretary of defense.

If communication between the ground-based control center and remote missile launch facilities is disrupted, airborne launch control center crews automatically assume command to execute the president’s orders.

The US has 400 Minuteman III missiles located in various military bases across the country.