In a demonstration of strategic readiness, the United States Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on November 5. The missile took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and completed a 7,500-kilometer journey to a target near the Marshall Islands, proving its accuracy and range. This launch was framed as a standard test to ensure the reliability of the Minuteman III system. The Global Strike Command confirmed the missile’s flight to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site. The Minuteman III, a veteran of the U.S. nuclear triad since the 1970s, can strike targets at intercontinental distances, although this test was conducted without a nuclear payload. The United States maintains a fleet of about 400 Minuteman III missiles, forming the backbone of its land-based nuclear deterrence. These missiles are crucial in maintaining strategic balance with nations like Russia and China. While plans for newer missile systems are in motion for a 2030 rollout, continued testing of the Minuteman III ensures its operational status. The decision to conduct such tests was reportedly spurred by a desire to keep pace with other nuclear powers, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a robust and ready nuclear arsenal in the current geopolitical climate. This test reinforces the significant capabilities inherent in the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
