IRIA News

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command tested an unarmed Minuteman III Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) on September 7, 2022, in a show of nuclear readiness.

The ICBM was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, about 60 miles north of the city of Santa Barbara, at 1:13 a.m. Pacific Time September 7.

Minuteman III was launched “to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” according to the official statement by Air Force Global Strike Command.

“This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first-century threats and reassure our allies” the statement added.

According to the Spokesperson of the Vandenberg Space Force Base Farrah Kaufmann, the Minuteman III ICBM was equipped with three reentry vehicles. The missile traveled for more than 4,200 miles at a speed of 15,000 mp/h and successfully hit the target at a test range in the Kwajalein Atoll near the Marshall Islands.

“These tests show the reliability of our deterrence weapons systems, showcase the continued reliability of the Minuteman III, and the incredible people who make it work,” said Maj. Natalie Quinn, Task Force Commander. “All of these components comprise a system that stands on continuous alert, defending the United States and our allies 24/7.”

“Today’s launch sends a visible message of assurance to our allies, and I couldn’t be more proud of the mission of continued deterrence this launch represents,” said Col. Christopher Cruise, 576th Flight Test Squadron Commander.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder announced the missile test one day before on September 6. He stated that “this ICBM launch will validate and verify the effectiveness and readiness of the system.” He also told the reporters that “this launch is a routine test, which was scheduled far in advance and consistent with previous tests.”

Before the test, the U.S. Air Force clarified that the timing of the missile test has nothing to do with the geopolitical situation. The missile test comes at a time when the nuclear tensions between Moscow and the West are increasing especially due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Prior to the launch, the U.S. government notified the Russian government about the test as per the treaty obligation from The Hague International Code of Conduct and the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons which is reviewed every five years with the intention of reducing nuclear proliferation worldwide. 

It was the second test of such kind from the U.S. Air Force within a span of two months. Earlier on August 16, the U.S. Air Force launched a similar unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from the same location. The August 16 launch came 12 days later than the originally announced date in an effort to de-escalate tensions with China after U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan. The Chinese government objected to her visit to the island and fired missiles off its coast over Taiwan as a part of its live-fire military drills.

Another such test was also delayed in March 2022. The test was supposed to take place shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine started in February this year. The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin delayed the test after Russian President Vladimir Putin put his nuclear forces on high alert. Pentagon said the test was delayed to avoid any misunderstanding with Russia, and the department urged Putin to take steps to lower tensions.

Moscow has often expressed concerns hinting at nuclear escalation if Washington becomes more directly involved in the conflict. Late last month the Russian UN delegation blocked a joint declaration on the nuclear disbarment that was reportedly backed by 191 countries.