The United States Air Force conducts a test launch of the unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- The launch of the nuclear weapons was successfully launched at 01:26 on Wednesday
- Officials say the test was designed to validate and verify system readiness
The US military has launched an unarmed ballistic missile from its air base in California as a sign of nuclear readiness.
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was successful at around 1:26 a.m. Wednesday morning.
It took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base and was described as a routine test planned years in advance.
The purpose of the test launch was to validate and verify the safety, security, effectiveness and readiness of the nuclear weapon system, according to Air Force Global Strike Command.
Colonel Bryan Titus, Vice Commander of Space Launch Delta 30, was the authority to launch the unarmed rocket.
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was successful at around 1:26 a.m. Wednesday morning
“The Airmen and Guardians on this vital mission are among the most expertly trained and dedicated personnel in the United States Air Force,” said Titus.
“These test launches demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and instill confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.
Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said Tuesday that the US has sent a pre-launch notice to the Hague Code of Conduct.
He added that the US has also notified the Russian government of the test due to existing commitments, with the launch taking place amid rising tensions between the two countries.
Ryder said, “The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and to inspire confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.
It also comes amid rising tensions between the US and North Korea, which has repeatedly launched a series of missiles of its own.
The country also failed to launch a satellite into orbit on its second attempt.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday that Pyongyang had simulated a tactical nuclear strike with fake warheads as a warning to the United States of its nuclear capabilities.