US to test unarmed Minuteman III ballistic missile in early March

The United States will conduct a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from March 4 to 5 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, according to an announcement by US Air Force Global Strike Command.

The launch is scheduled to take place on one of the designated days between 11:01 and 17:01 Baku time. Officials said the test is part of a routine program planned several years in advance.

“The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to confirm the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system,” the statement said.

According to an international navigational warning issued to ships, access to certain areas of the Pacific Ocean will be temporarily restricted during the testing period. The closure applies to zones along the flight path of Minuteman III missiles launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base toward the US missile test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile has an operational range of approximately 6,800 kilometres.

By Tamilla Hasanova