The United States successfully launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry nuclear warheads and hit targets at a range of 12,000 km

By: Maksim Panasovskiy | 07.09.2022, 15:55
The United States successfully launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which can carry nuclear warheads and hit targets at a range of 12,000 km

Global Strike Command conducted the second successful test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental missile in three weeks.

Here's What We Know

The land-based ballistic missile was launched from U.S. Space Force Base Vandenberg in California at 11:13 a.m. (EET) on Sept. 7. The Pentagon says it is a "routine test" aimed at testing the effectiveness and readiness of the United States' nuclear deterrent force.

The Minuteman III launch has been postponed several times due to tensions with Russia and China. The previous test was supposed to take place in the spring, but did not take place until August 16. Then the rocket flew almost 7000 kilometers.

The current test was supposed to take place in August, but Nancy Pelosi's trip to Taiwan led to increased tensions between China and the United States, which forced a postponement. Details of the second test have not yet been specified.

Recall that the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was designed to confront the USSR. It can hit targets with three warheads, including nuclear warheads, at a distance of up to 12,000 km. A missile without a warhead was involved in the tests. The Minuteman III will end its service life in 2030.

Source: @SLDelta30

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