Amid the rising threat of World War III, the US military has conducted a test launch of a hypersonic nuclear missile made to defend against the military threat from other countries.
Minuteman III Test Launch
In the demonstration, an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was blasted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:56 am PT. It traveled over 4,000 miles (6,437 kilometers) at speeds over 15,000 miles per hour (24,140 kilometers per hour). Then it headed to a test range on the Marshall Islands located in the central Pacific Ocean.
The missile can reach targets across the world in just half an hour after launch, according to Air Force Technology. Moscow is located around 5,900 miles (9,495 kilometers) from California, while Beijing sits about 6,000 miles (9,656 kilometers) away - the two nations which are considered threats to the US.
ICBM is one of the two currently used missiles by the US. The other one is submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), which are deployed from underwater submarines.
The US Titan broke the record of 16,000 miles per hour (25,750 kilometers per hour) when it was used from 1963 through 1987. It was capable of traveling to a target that is 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes. However, this missile was phased out in order to make way for more advanced systems like the MX Peacekeeper which has a similar speed and distance.
ICBM is an important component of the US military's nuclear forces. While it can deliver a nuclear payload to various targets around the world, it is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and be replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.
The US Air Force also noted that the Sentinel weapon system is considered the most effective option to maintain a safe, secure, and effective land-based led of the nuclear triad, with its capabilities extending through 2075. The weapon will replace the 400 Minuteman III ICBMs, which have been in service in Air Force missile fields for over 50 years.
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Showcasing Readiness of US Air Force
As described by Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander Col. Bryan Titus, the test launch signals the beginning of a remarkable week for the Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg. Two more test launches are scheduled from the Western Range.
According to military officials, the purpose of the test launch conducted on June 4 was to show the readiness of nuclear US forces. It aims to provide confidence in the nation's nuclear deterrence. The US military also believes that this event serves as a pivotal moment in showcasing the expertise and capabilities of their team.
The officials clarified that the launch was nothing more than a test of the weapon, but it came less than a week after former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that the invasion of Ukraine might lead to a nuclear disaster. Still, US officials said that the test launches are not connected to world events but are only routine launches to ensure that their capabilities are up to standard.
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