US tests launch of nuclear-capable ICBM Minuteman III in show of force

The U S Air Force conducted a routine launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile ICBM that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on Wednesday morning the military declared The LGM- G Minuteman III missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at a m Pacific Time the Air Force revealed The unarmed missile equipped with a single Mark- High Fidelity Re-Entry Conveyance traveled mph to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands located about miles from the launch site the military announced This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad Gen Thomas Bussiere commander of Air Force Global Strike Command commented in a announcement TRUMP UNVEILS GOLDEN DOME MISSILE SHIELD BLINDSIDES KEY SENATORSThe triad refers to the three different types of nuclear weapons delivery systems that the U S military can use to launch nuclear attacks The systems are land-based ICBMs submarine-launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable strategic bombers The Air Force commented the test was routine and not a response to current world events adding that more than similar tests have been conducted in the past IRAN'S KHAMENEI SAYS AMERICANS SHOULD AVOID TALKING NONSENSE IN NUKE TALKS This test launch is part of routine and periodic sessions designed to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe secure reliable and effective in deterring st-century threats and reassuring our allies the Air Force announced The Minuteman weapon system is a operation that first became operational in the early s and has received enhancements over the class of nearly years the military reported The Air Force now plans to replace the aging Minuteman with the modernized Sentinel system