US Test Launches Hypersonic Nuclear Missile That Can Reach Moscow in 30 Minutes Amid Growing Threat of WW3

The US military has conducted a test launch of a hypersonic nuclear missile designed to counter the growing military threat from China and Russia.

Military officials said the purpose of the test was to demonstrate the “readiness of U.S. nuclear forces” and “provide confidence in the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” amid fears over the growing threat of nuclear outbreak the Third World War.

During the demonstration, an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was fired from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:56 a.m. PT.

The weapon traveled more than 6,000 kilometers at speeds of more than 24,000 kilometers per hour to a test range in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

The demonstration saw an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fired from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:56 a.m. PT.

“This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches planned from the Western Range,” said Col. Bryan Titus, vice commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the launch decision authority.

“These tests are of enormous significance not only to our country’s defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in demonstrating the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.”

The missile can reach any target around the world within just 30 minutes of launch. Air Force Technology reports this.

Moscow is about 6,000 miles (9,900 kilometers) from California, while Beijing is about 6,000 miles (9,000 kilometers) away – the two countries were considered a threat to the US.

ICBM is one of two currently used by America – the other being submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) ​​deployed from underwater submarines.

However, the American Titan reached a top speed of 16,000 mph when it was used from 1963 to 1987.

Titan was able to travel to a target more than 9,000 kilometers away in less than 30 minutes.

The weapon traveled more than 6,000 kilometers at speeds of more than 24,000 kilometers per hour to a test range in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

The American Titan (pictured) reached a top speed of 16,000 miles per hour when in service from 1963 to 1987. Titan was able to travel to a target more than 9,000 kilometers away in less than 30 minutes.

But the missile was phased out to make way for more advanced systems such as the MX Peacekeeper that had comparable speed and range.

ICBM is an essential part of the US military’s nuclear forces and can deliver a nuclear payload to targets around the world, but is expected to be phased out and replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM in 2029.

The U.S. Air Force said that “the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure and effective landside of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.”

The upcoming weapon will replace the 400 Minuteman III ICBMs currently in service for more than 50 years in Air Force missile fields at FE Warren Air Force Base (AFB), Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.

Tuesday’s demonstration was also the first of two test launches planned for this week; the next one is scheduled for Thursday.

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.

ICBM is an essential component of the US military’s nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world

Officials have said such tests are not related to world news but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to par.

“This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches planned from the Western Range,” Titus said.

“These tests are of enormous significance not only to our country’s defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in demonstrating the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.”

While officials said the launch was nothing more than a test of the weapon, it came less than a week after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the invasion of Ukraine could result in a nuclear disaster.

The statement, made on May 31, came as President Joe Biden lifted restrictions on Ukraine using US weapons for direct attacks on Russian territory.

And days before that, Marines from the US and the Philippines staged ominous war games on small islands a short distance from Taiwan in preparation for battle with China.

However, officials have said such tests are not related to world news but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to par.