Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM Test Launch by U.S. Air Force

The United States Air Force executed a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on November 5 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The missile demonstrated its extended range, traveling 7,500 kilometers to precisely hit a target in the vicinity of the Marshall Islands. This launch was officially characterized as a routine reliability test, designed to confirm the system’s accuracy, speed, and overall readiness. Pentagon officials stressed that the missile carried no nuclear warheads, emphasizing the non-hostile nature of the exercise. The Minuteman III, an enduring element of the U.S. nuclear arsenal since the 1970s, possesses a range of up to 13,000 kilometers and can be launched within a minute, earning it its name. The U.S. currently deploys approximately 400 such missiles as a key component of its strategic deterrence. While new missile systems are slated for deployment by 2030, the Minuteman III will continue to be tested to ensure its efficacy. The impetus for these tests stems from a directive to maintain parity and readiness amidst evolving global nuclear postures. The capabilities of the Minuteman III, even unarmed, highlight the sophisticated and powerful nature of modern ICBM technology.