Latest news with #DustinHarmon
Russia Today
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Russia Today
US tests nuclear-capable ICBM (VIDEO)
The US military has test-fired an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of carrying nuclear warheads, in what it described as a routine check. The test was the first of its kind under the administration of President Donald Trump. According to the US Air Force, the missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday. Officials said the launch was intended 'to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring allies.' The Air Force also said the launch 'is not a response to current world events,' noting that the US has conducted over 300 similar tests in the past. According to Col. Dustin Harmon, the test allowed the military to analyze the accuracy and reliability of the current system as the US waits for the development of the new Sentinel ICBM to be completed. Sentinel is currently in the early stages and is expected to begin replacing Minuteman from 2029 to 2075. US officials did not say whether they had warned Russia, China, or any other nuclear powers of the missile test. First introduced in the 1970s, the Minuteman III remains a critical part of the US nuclear deterrent strategy. The country has 400 operational missiles of this type stationed in underground silos in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming. The Minuteman III has a range of 8,700 miles (14,000 km) and can travel at speeds in excess of 15,000 mph (24,000 kph). The previous Minuteman III test took place on November 5, as Americans were heading to the polls to vote in the presidential election. At the time, US officials also said the move was in no way related to any geopolitical tensions.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
U.S. military tests nuclear missile in Southern California
If you were outside around 1 a.m. Wednesday on the West Coast, you may have seen or heard the U.S. military test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile. A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Vandenberg Space Force Base Guardians launched an unmanned Minuteman III ICBM equipped with a 'single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle' from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, according to a media release from the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force. Vandenberg serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Command's ICBM deterrent infrastructure. Wednesday morning's test was part of what federal officials call 'routine and periodic activities' that ensure the United States' nuclear deterrent 'remains safe, secure, reliable and effective in deterring 21st century threats and reassuring our allies.' 'Wednesday's test launch is just one of the ways the [U.S. Air Force] demonstrates the readiness, precision and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,' Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth said. 'It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrence mission.' Over 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past, officials said. The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, which is located at Vandenberg SFB, is the nation's only dedicated ICBM test organization that professionally runs tests that measure both the current and future capabilities of the nation's ICBM force. According to 377th Test and Evaluation Group Commander Col. Dustin Harmon, officials looked at key data points that not only help maintain current ICBM technology but pave the way for new technology. 'During this test, we collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate current missile system competencies,' said Col. Harmon. 'This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements. The data we collect and analyze is crucial for maintaining Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinel.' The Air Force's Sentinel weapon system is a modernization of the ground leg of the U.S. nuclear system being overseen by aerospace and defense firm Northrop Grumman. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
