US conducts test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III

The US Air Force Global Strike Command has carried out a test launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Minuteman III from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, according to the base’s official statement.

“This routine launch, designated GT 256, was scheduled years ago, and is not in response to world events. It acts as a comprehensive operational test, designed to evaluate both the weapon system and the personnel who maintain it in a highly-controlled testing environment,” the base said.

According to Air Force Global Strike Command chief General Stephen Davis, the launch confirmed the readiness and operational capability of the US ICBM force.

The Vandenberg base press service did not respond to a question from TASS about whether Russia had been notified in advance of the launch.

The US Department of Defence plans to introduce new ground-based Sentinel ICBMs to replace the Minuteman III fleet. This phase is expected to be a key element of the modernisation of the country’s nuclear forces.

According to Pentagon estimates, the new missile system is expected to be deployed no earlier than 2031. However, some US independent analysts argue that strategic nuclear deterrence can continue to be effectively maintained without land-based silo ICBMs, relying instead on nuclear submarines and heavy bombers, which together form the US nuclear triad.

By Jeyhun Aghazada