Amid global tensions, US tests Minuteman III intercontinental missile

2025-02-19 21:34:13Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Amid global tensions, US tests Minuteman III intercontinental missile
Rocket test

The United States has successfully tested an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile, called the "Minuteman III," at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.

A joint team from Air Force Global Strike Command and Vandenberg Space Force Base Rangers launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.

The Minuteman III missile has a maximum range of 13,000 km and is capable of carrying a payload of three nuclear warheads.

The Vandenberg SFB West base serves as the primary testbed for the ICBM deterrent architecture. This test is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States nuclear deterrent remains safe, reliable and effective in deterring 21st century threats and assuring allies, said Acting Air Force Secretary Gary Ashworth.

"The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command, uses data collected from test launches for ongoing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong and credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners," he added.


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