The U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California early Wednesday morning, firing the weapon into the Pacific Ocean as part of a routine evaluation of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
Air Force officials said the launch was previously scheduled and was not a direct response to current world events.
“Our ability to conduct these rigorous, realistic tests is foundational to our national security,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “This launch verifies the health and readiness of our ICBM force, confirming the capability of every component of the ICBM enterprise, from our operators to the weapon system itself, to execute the mission.”
The test came as Russia entered the second day of a three-day nuclear military exercise involving hundreds of missile launchers, combat aircraft, surface ships, and at least eight strategic missile submarines. Russian defense officials announced the drills on Tuesday, saying forces would practice preparing nuclear units for “mission readiness” under simulated conditions of aggression.
Engineers tracked the Minuteman III’s flight path to evaluate its propulsion, guidance, and reentry systems under what Air Force officials called “extreme physical stress.”
“This launch allows us to authenticate the complete performance profile of the Minuteman III,” said Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the Air Force’s 576th Flight Test Squadron. “It confirms the precision of the system, ensuring the reentry vehicle can be delivered to its target with pinpoint accuracy.”
The Minuteman III is the backbone of the land-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad. The Air Force maintains 400 missiles on continuous alert status at bases in Montana, Wyoming, and North Dakota. The weapon was first deployed in 1970, more than five decades past its original 10-year intended service life.
“These operational tests are the most visible and vital way we verify the readiness of our systems,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group.
