Minuteman III, an intercontinental ballistics missile (ICBM), was launched by the United States on Wednesday. Vandenberg Space Force Base is located in California. The missile, which was unarmed and nuclear capable but not armed with a weapon of mass destruction, flew over the Pacific Ocean.
The Strategic Importance Of ICBM Test
This ICBM test launch follows President Trump’s February 13 statement regarding discussions on denuclearization with Russia and China – both considered peer competitors of the U.S. with substantial nuclear arsenals. Minuteman III plays a vital role in the American nuclear triangle. This is one of three systems that are used to ensure deterrence against nuclear attacks. Currently, the U.S. Army is modernizing this system to prolong its operational lifespan.
Minuteman III ICBM Test: Key details
Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base was launched 1 a.m. PT. The missile is capable of carrying up to four nuclear warheads, also known as reentry devices. However, this specific missile only had one. This missile has a range of over 6,000 miles (9.656 km), and can reach speeds up to 15,000 mph. During this test, a reentry car traveled over 4,200 kilometers to Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command stressed that this test was not in response to geopolitical developments, but rather a regular exercise. This test serves to confirm the reliability, safety and effectiveness of America’s nuclear deterrent, as well as reaffirm its security. In accordance with bilateral agreements, the Russian Federation also received advance notification of the test. In 2000, Russia and the United States signed a memo aimed at decreasing the possibility of a launch of a weapon triggered by false information about a ballistic-missile attack.
It is unclear if China was given advanced notice of this test. The U.S. notified China in November of a prior ICBM launch (after China notified the U.S. of its own ICBM launch in September). There is no agreement between the US and China that mandates pre-launch notification.
Experts’ Perspectives on the ICBM Test
General Thomas Bussiere is the commander of U.S. Air Force Global Strike CommandThe nuclear trinity is the cornerstone for the security of both our nation and its allies. This test launch is demonstrative of our nation’s ICBM readiness and reliability… our freedoms and the homeland remain secure.”
U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Dustin Harmon at Vandenberg, Commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group..[The test] This allows us to report on accuracy, reliability and projected improvements for our current missile system. “The data that we gather and analyze will be crucial to maintaining Minuteman III as we prepare for Sentinel.”
The Future of ICBMs – The Sentinel Program
Minuteman III will be replaced with Sentinel, a next-generation American ICBM. According to Air & Space Forces MagazineThe Sentinel Program is facing potential delays and cost overruns.