The U.S. Air Force Command (AFGSC) successfully launched a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday. states the press statement of the representatives of the base. TASR informs about it according to the report of the Fox 5 portal.
It is part of the regular a series of test launches to verify the reliability, readiness and accuracy of the US missile system long range. The Minuteman III missile is a key part of the US nuclear deterrent. It flew approximately 6,700 kilometers and landed at the test destination on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. It did not carry a nuclear warhead, only a test return body for data collection.
„This is a comprehensive assessment that verifies and validates the capabilities of the ICBM system to fulfill its critical role,” base official Karrie Wray said. “The data collected during the test is invaluable in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the ICBM weapon system,” she added.
According to another representative, Dustin Harmon, the test confirmed, that the Minuteman III remains reliable and adaptable as the Air Force prepares to transition to a new generation ICBM.
The missile was launched from a US Navy aircraft. This method will ensure the operation of the rocket even if ground systems are not available.
United States informed Russia in advance about the launch of the rocket, said the Russian Interfax news agency on Wednesday, citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Reuters writes.
