The U.S. tested a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to demonstrate the readiness of nuclear deterrence forces
The United States decided to remind itself that it, too, possesses nuclear weapons. To this end, they conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
What we know
The missile was launched from the Vandberg, California, base. This was reported by the United States Air Force Global Strike Command. The test launch was done as part of a demonstration that the U.S. nuclear deterrent force is in good order.
The Air Force Command emphasized that the test of the Minuteman III ballistic missile went according to plan and did not depend on world geopolitical events. Similar launches had already been performed more than three hundred times. Although the current launch was postponed from April because of tensions with China.
The Minuteman III rocket was launched toward the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands and traveled more than 6,750 kilometers. The test was to check the accuracy and reliability of the U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile weapons system. The launch made it possible to collect the data needed to ensure an effective nuclear deterrent.
Finally, the United States will begin replacing the Minuteman III with the LG-35A Sentinel in 2029. The new missile is in production. Northrop Grumman was awarded a $13.3 billion contract to build it in 2020.
Source: AFGSC
Image: The Defense Post
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