The U.S. Air Force conducts a test launch of the unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- The nuclear weapons launch was successfully launched at 1:26 a.m. on Wednesday
- Officials say the test was designed to validate and verify the system’s operational readiness
The US military has fired an unarmed ballistic missile from its air base in California to demonstrate its nuclear readiness.
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was successful at around 1:26 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
The test took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base and was described as a routine test that was planned years in advance.
According to the Air Force Global Strike Command, the purpose of the test launch was to validate and verify the safety, effectiveness and operational readiness of the nuclear weapon system.
Col. Bryan Titus, vice commander of Space Launch Delta 30, was responsible for the decision to launch the unarmed rocket.
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was successful at around 1:26 a.m. on Wednesday morning
“The Airmen and Guardsmen who carry out this vital mission are among the most highly trained and dedicated personnel in America’s Air Force,” Titus said.
“These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the United States.
Pentagon press secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said on Tuesday that the US had submitted advance notification to the Hague Code of Conduct.
He added that the US had also informed the Russian government about the test due to existing obligations, as the launch came against the backdrop of growing tensions between the two countries.
Ryder said, “The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of the U.S. nuclear force and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the country’s nuclear deterrent.”
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the United States
This also comes amid rising tensions between the US and North Korea, which has repeatedly fired a barrage of its own missiles.
The country also failed to put a satellite into orbit on its second attempt.
Korea’s state-run Central News Agency reported on Sunday that Pyongyang simulated a tactical nuclear attack using mock warheads to warn the United States of its nuclear capabilities.