Washington, D.C., USA – The US Air Force successfully launched a hypersonic missile on February 19, showcasing the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities......CONTINUE READING THE ARTICLE FROM THE SOURCE>>>>>
The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) exercise commenced at 1am PT (5am ET) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, just hours after Russia conducted combat training with its ‘Yars’ ICBM.
The Air Force clarified that the launch was a scheduled exercise, part of the nation’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent, and not a response to current world events.
Statements from Air Force Officials
Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Gary Ashworth, stated, “Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of US nuclear forces. It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”
The exercise collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate the current missile system’s competencies.
Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group (TEG), added, “This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements.”
The hypersonic missile traveled 15,000 miles per hour to a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, completing the 4,200-mile journey in approximately 22 minutes.
Future of US Missile Systems
The Minuteman III ICBM is one of two missiles currently used by the US, alongside submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) deployed from underwater submarines.
This vital component of the US military’s nuclear forces is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.
The US Air Force emphasized that the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad, extending its capabilities through 2075.
Russian Nuclear Maneuvers
Two weeks prior to the US launch, Russia showcased its nuclear power with stealth maneuvers of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in its Volga region.
The Russian Defence Ministry released video footage of Yars missile launchers moving through a snowy forest, highlighting the ongoing nuclear tensions between the two nations.