US conducts test of nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile
The US military conducted tests on the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) to assess its nuclear capabilities. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The Pentagon has clarified that the recent test-fire of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile "is not a response to current world events."
The US military conducted the unarmed test as part of routine procedures. This launch was the first under President Donald Trump's administration.
The missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday. According to the US Air Force, the purpose of the test was "to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring allies." The Air Force emphasized that similar tests have occurred regularly, stating that this launch "is not a response to current world events," and that the US has performed over 300 comparable tests in the past.
Col. Dustin Harmon noted that the test enables the military to assess the accuracy and reliability of the existing system while the development of the new Sentinel ICBM is underway. The Sentinel program is in its early stages and aims to replace the Minuteman missiles between 2029 and 2075.
US officials did not disclose whether they had provided advance warning to Russia, China, or any other nuclear powers regarding the missile test.
First introduced in the 1970s, the Minuteman III remains a vital component of the US nuclear deterrent strategy, with 400 operational missiles housed in underground silos in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The Minuteman III has an impressive range of 8,700 miles and can reach speeds exceeding 15,000 mph.
The last test of the Minuteman III occurred on November 5, coinciding with the presidential election. At that time, US officials also asserted that the test was unrelated to geopolitical tensions.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
The US military conducted the unarmed test as part of routine procedures. This launch was the first under President Donald Trump's administration.
The missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday. According to the US Air Force, the purpose of the test was "to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring allies." The Air Force emphasized that similar tests have occurred regularly, stating that this launch "is not a response to current world events," and that the US has performed over 300 comparable tests in the past.
Col. Dustin Harmon noted that the test enables the military to assess the accuracy and reliability of the existing system while the development of the new Sentinel ICBM is underway. The Sentinel program is in its early stages and aims to replace the Minuteman missiles between 2029 and 2075.
US officials did not disclose whether they had provided advance warning to Russia, China, or any other nuclear powers regarding the missile test.
First introduced in the 1970s, the Minuteman III remains a vital component of the US nuclear deterrent strategy, with 400 operational missiles housed in underground silos in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The Minuteman III has an impressive range of 8,700 miles and can reach speeds exceeding 15,000 mph.
The last test of the Minuteman III occurred on November 5, coinciding with the presidential election. At that time, US officials also asserted that the test was unrelated to geopolitical tensions.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
