The U.S. Air Force announced that it has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of the Minuteman III type at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Florida.
A statement issued by the U.S. Air Force noted that late on Tuesday night – early Wednesday morning (U.S. time), it conducted a new test of an unarmed ballistic missile of the Minuteman III type, as well as a test of the returning vehicle at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Florida. The statement explained that the test, during which the returning vehicle traveled nearly 6,800 kilometers and reached the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, demonstrates that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is capable of addressing threats and also capable of "assuring" allies.
The statement mentioned that the 90th Missile Wing based at FE Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, the 91st Missile Wing at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana participated in the launch operation. The launch experiment was supported by a squadron of U.S. fighter jets from the 576th Flight Test Squadron.
The preparation and planning for the intercontinental missile launch took place 6 to 12 months prior to the scheduled date, and the U.S. Air Force confirmed that the planning for the operation was initiated 5 years ago, thus the operation is not linked to current global and regional events.
Lieutenant General Anthony Cotton, Deputy Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized that the U.S. fleet of intercontinental ballistic missiles is on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Cotton indicated that field tests confirm readiness and reliability in the Minuteman III, noting that the weapon provides reliable monitoring with a credible and effective strategic deterrent.
