US Air Force conducts test launch of unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
- The nuclear weapon was successfully launched at 1.26am on Wednesday
- Officials say the test was to validate and verify the readiness of the system
The US Military has successfully launched an unarmed ballistic missile from its Air Force base in California in a display of nuclear readiness.
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was successful on Wednesday morning, at around 1.26am.
It took place from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, and was described as a routine test scheduled years in advance.
Officials confirmed that the re-entry vehicle traveled 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
They added that the LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III starting 2029 with full capability in mid-2030s.
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/06/12/75117365-12486637-image-a-13_1693999101336.jpg)
An operational test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was successful on Wednesday morning, at around 1.26am
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.
Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority for the unarmed missile.
'The Airmen and Guardians who perform this vital mission are some of the most skillfully trained and dedicated personnel in America's Air Force,' said Titus.
'These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide 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, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.
Pentagon press secretary Brig Gen Pat Ryder said on Tuesday that the US transmitted a prelaunch notification to the Hague Code of Conduct.
He added that the US also notified the Russian government of the test due to existing obligations, with the launch coming amid growing tensions between the two countries.
Ryder said: 'The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent.'
![](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/09/06/12/75117363-12486637-image-a-14_1693999105263.jpg)
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US
It also comes amid rising tension between the US and North Korea, which has repeatedly launched a flurry of its own missiles.
The country also failed to put a satellite into orbit during its second attempt.
State-run Korean Central News Agency reported on Sunday that Pyongyang had simulated a tactical nuclear strike with mock warheads in a warning to the United States of its nuclear capabilities.
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