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Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Minuteman III vs Yars: US ICBM Passes Test Days After Russian Launch Flops
The United States has conducted another successful test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), while Russia reportedly canceled its own test. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said Wednesday's test launch demonstrated the nation's nuclear deterrent is "safe, secure, reliable, and effective" in deterring 21st century threats. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment by email. Both Washington and Moscow have maintained a complete "nuclear triad" since the Cold War-consisting of ICBMs, ballistic missile-armed submarines, as well as bomber and fighter aircraft-to deter adversaries and be prepared to respond should deterrence fail. The Pentagon defines an ICBM as a long-range missile with an estimated range of more than 3,400 miles, capable of launching a global nuclear strike from one region to another. This type of missile can carry more than one warhead, also known as the reentry vehicle. Prior to the most recent U.S. Minuteman III ICBM test launch, which involved a flight from California to the Central Pacific Ocean, Ukrainian intelligence claimed earlier this week that Russia aborted a "combat training" launch of its Yars ICBM after something "went wrong." The U.S. operates only one type of ICBM: the Minuteman III, which has a stated range of over 6,000 miles. A total of 400 missiles are deployed in silos across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, and are assigned to three Air Force missile units. While the Minuteman III missile is capable of carrying up to three nuclear warheads, it is currently equipped with only one. The U.S. ICBM fleet occasionally conducts test launches involving multiple unarmed reentry vehicles, the Federation of American Scientists said. Last year, the U.S. Air Force conducted three successful flight tests of the Minuteman III missile. Of the four tests carried out in 2023, one unarmed missile was forced to terminate its flight over the Pacific Ocean because of an anomaly, a table published by Newsweek shows. According to a report prepared by the Federation of American Scientists, the Yars is one of several Russian ICBMs currently in service. The land-based nuclear missile, which has an estimated range of over 6,500 miles, can be launched from either silos or mobile platforms. The American think tank also estimated that, as of March, Russia possessed a total of 206 Yars missiles. Each missile can carry up to four warheads, available in two variants: "light warheads" and more powerful, medium-yield warheads designed to strike hardened targets. Like its U.S. counterpart, the Russian military often test-fires its missiles, with the most recent publicized Yars launch taking place last October during a strategic deterrence forces drill. Since 2022, the Yars missile fleet has been test-launched approximately twice a year. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said: "The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners." The Federation of American Scientists commented: "Russia also appears to be in the early stages of development on at least two new ICBM programs, as well as on various hypersonic glide vehicles that could be fitted atop modified ICBMs. There is significant uncertainty, however, regarding the various designations and capabilities of these systems." Both the U.S. and Russia are likely to conduct further ICBM tests this year. It remains to be seen whether China, another major nuclear power, will carry out its second ICBM test since September 2024. Related Articles Chinese Satellites Capture US Bombers and Jets at Island Air BaseNew US-Iran Nuclear Talks as Tensions RiseUS Stealth Jet Carrier Patrols Waters Near ChinaUS and Russia Flex Military Muscles on Same Stage 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Minuteman III vs Yars: US ICBM Passes Test Days After Russian Launch Flops
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has conducted another successful test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), while Russia reportedly canceled its own test. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said Wednesday's test launch demonstrated the nation's nuclear deterrent is "safe, secure, reliable, and effective" in deterring 21st century threats. Newsweek has reached out to the Russian Defense Ministry for comment by email. Why It Matters Both Washington and Moscow have maintained a complete "nuclear triad" since the Cold War—consisting of ICBMs, ballistic missile-armed submarines, as well as bomber and fighter aircraft—to deter adversaries and be prepared to respond should deterrence fail. The Pentagon defines an ICBM as a long-range missile with an estimated range of more than 3,400 miles, capable of launching a global nuclear strike from one region to another. This type of missile can carry more than one warhead, also known as the reentry vehicle. Prior to the most recent U.S. Minuteman III ICBM test launch, which involved a flight from California to the Central Pacific Ocean, Ukrainian intelligence claimed earlier this week that Russia aborted a "combat training" launch of its Yars ICBM after something "went wrong." What To Know The U.S. operates only one type of ICBM: the Minuteman III, which has a stated range of over 6,000 miles. A total of 400 missiles are deployed in silos across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, and are assigned to three Air Force missile units. An unarmed United States Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 21, 2025. An unarmed United States Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 21, 2025. Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla/U.S. Air Force While the Minuteman III missile is capable of carrying up to three nuclear warheads, it is currently equipped with only one. The U.S. ICBM fleet occasionally conducts test launches involving multiple unarmed reentry vehicles, the Federation of American Scientists said. Last year, the U.S. Air Force conducted three successful flight tests of the Minuteman III missile. Of the four tests carried out in 2023, one unarmed missile was forced to terminate its flight over the Pacific Ocean because of an anomaly, a table published by Newsweek shows. According to a report prepared by the Federation of American Scientists, the Yars is one of several Russian ICBMs currently in service. The land-based nuclear missile, which has an estimated range of over 6,500 miles, can be launched from either silos or mobile platforms. The American think tank also estimated that, as of March, Russia possessed a total of 206 Yars missiles. Each missile can carry up to four warheads, available in two variants: "light warheads" and more powerful, medium-yield warheads designed to strike hardened targets. Like its U.S. counterpart, the Russian military often test-fires its missiles, with the most recent publicized Yars launch taking place last October during a strategic deterrence forces drill. Since 2022, the Yars missile fleet has been test-launched approximately twice a year. Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers are seen on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025. Russian Yars intercontinental ballistic missile launchers are seen on Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2025. STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said: "The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners." The Federation of American Scientists commented: "Russia also appears to be in the early stages of development on at least two new ICBM programs, as well as on various hypersonic glide vehicles that could be fitted atop modified ICBMs. There is significant uncertainty, however, regarding the various designations and capabilities of these systems." What Happens Next Both the U.S. and Russia are likely to conduct further ICBM tests this year. It remains to be seen whether China, another major nuclear power, will carry out its second ICBM test since September 2024.
Miami Herald
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Launches Nuclear-Capable Missile in Arms Race With Russia and China
The United States has conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test of the year, launching an unarmed but nuclear-capable missile from California toward the Pacific. "This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st century threats and reassuring our allies," said the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. Newsweek has emailed both the Russian and Chinese defense ministries for comment. According to the Federation of American Scientists, the U.S. deploys 400 Minuteman III ICBMs-each carrying a single warhead-in silos located in Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming. The missile has an officially stated range of over 6,000 miles. The ICBM fleet is one of the three components of America's nuclear triad, alongside ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-capable bombers. Data from the National Nuclear Security Administration shows that, as of 2023, the U.S. possesses 3,748 nuclear warheads. The Minuteman III test launch follows Russia's reported cancellation of an RS-24 Yars ICBM "combat training" launch. China conducted a rare ICBM test last September, launching a DF-31AG missile toward the Pacific Ocean. The Minuteman III missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said. The missile was equipped with an unarmed Mark-21 reentry vehicle, which flew about 4,200 miles to a U.S. Army ballistic missile defense test site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, located in the Central Pacific Ocean. The test was not a response to current world events, the Louisiana-headquartered command stated, adding that the U.S. military has conducted more than 300 similar tests in the past as part of the country's "ongoing commitment" to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. The command also confirmed to Newsweek that, in accordance with standard procedures, Washington notified Moscow of the test in advance "per our existing bilateral obligations," and transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC). In 2000, the U.S. and Russia signed a memorandum aimed at reducing the risk of escalation triggered by a false ballistic missile attack warning. Member states of the HCoC are required to voluntarily provide notifications of ballistic missile and space-related launches. Both the U.S. and Russia are among the 145 countries that have subscribed to the HCoC. While China provided advance notification of its ICBM test to the U.S., it remains reluctant to join the HCoC-an action it fears could lead to the disclosure of sensitive information. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command said: "The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners." General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, said: "This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad…This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who supports them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies." It remains uncertain whether Russia and China will conduct ICBM tests this year. The U.S. plans to modernize its ICBM fleet by replacing the Minuteman III with the Sentinel. Related Articles Iran Seals Russia Defense Pact as US Nuclear Tensions RiseU.S. Doubles Down on Iran Nuclear ThreatUS Issues Update on North Korea Military PowerUS Military Receives Major Boost Against Hypersonic Missiles 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Nuclear War Avoided, Again. But Next Time?
After four days of exchanging airstrikes and drone attacks on military infrastructure brought India and Pakistan to the precipice of war, these nuclear-armed nations are holding to a tenuous cease-fire. The world may have sidestepped a disaster. But last week's fast-moving crisis demonstrates the inherent dangers of the modern nuclear age — and the corresponding and urgent need for diplomacy — as more nations expand their nuclear arsenals and rely on them for coercion or to make up for a weakness in conventional forces. The indefinite combination of more weapons and human fallibility can lead to their use, intentional or not. There is never zero risk. We've seen it throughout the military campaign of Russia's president, Vladimir Putin, against Ukraine, where he's issued implicit and explicit threats to use a nuclear weapon in his war there. We've seen it on the Korean Peninsula, where the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, routinely reminds the world that his forces are armed and ready for all-out nuclear war. We see the potential in Taiwan, where observers worry that China could use the threat of its arsenal to impose its will on the island. Conflict between India and Pakistan is nothing new, of course, and fears over the first use of a nuclear weapon between the neighboring countries have long remained remote. The two sides fought wars in 1947, 1965, 1971 and 1999 — a year after both nations conducted successful nuclear tests. They now each have estimated stockpiles of at least 170 warheads, according to the Federation of American Scientists. As their nuclear forces expanded, the two nations established unwritten rules aimed at preventing a dangerous escalation. Neither New Delhi nor Islamabad wants a nuclear war, stopping each side from going too far when periodic skirmishes break out. For decades, their military confrontations have been confined to the border region, and in particular Kashmir, a flashpoint since 1947, when India was partitioned into two states at the end of British colonial rule. For years, both sides have primarily battled with ground forces, and never close to nuclear sites. But those rules have been changing. The emergence of drone warfare and precision-guided munitions has caused red lines to fade. In 2019, India launched airstrikes against an alleged terrorist training camp in Balakot, Pakistan, marking the first time that one nuclear-armed nation dropped a bomb on another. The attack, which went further than any other conflict between the nations in decades, put the countries on newly dangerous footing. Last week's clash was even more destabilizing. After Pakistan-based terrorists allegedly shot and killed 26 civilians in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, the Indian military responded on May 7 with airstrikes on the border region, targeting what it called 'terror camps.' It eventually extended its target to a site in Punjab, roughly 100 miles into Pakistan — the deepest strike in more than half a century. Pakistan retaliated with what Indian officials said were as many as 400 drone attacks on several cities, including the Indian-administered city of Jammu, near the heavily militarized border that separates the disputed region of Kashmir between the two countries. Soon, Indian strikes hit a military air base in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, not far from Pakistan's Strategic Plans Division, which oversees the nation's nuclear arsenal. Reports later surfaced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan subsequently convened the National Command Authority, a group that decides the potential use of nuclear weapons. It's incidents like these when the potential for slipping into a nuclear escalation is the greatest. Close calls between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and other more recent nuclear crises, show that adversaries assume the worst and depend on open communication channels, monitoring capabilities and diplomatic measures. India's airstrikes may have been inadvertent or intentional, but Pakistan won't allow its nuclear capability to be threatened. India's conventional forces are superior to Pakistan's. Islamabad, therefore, sees its nuclear weapons as a means to even the battlefield in an all-out war. Pakistan, unlike India, has no declared restrictions on using its nuclear weapons first in a conflict to protect itself. It wasn't until the unthinkable suddenly looked possible that the Trump administration felt compelled to intervene. On Thursday, during an appearance on Fox News, Vice President JD Vance said the tit-for-tat fighting was 'fundamentally none of our business.' On Friday, the day India bombed the base in Rawalpindi, Mr. Vance substantially shifted from that isolationist stance, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India to warn against the mounting escalation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said in a statement that he and Mr. Vance had engaged with senior officials from both countries, including their prime ministers. 'We stopped a nuclear conflict,' President Trump said Monday at the White House. 'I think it could have been a bad nuclear war, millions of people could have been killed, so I'm very proud of that.' Pakistan has since publicly acknowledged the U.S. role in the truce, while India maintains that the cease-fire was bilaterally reached. As the Trump administration evidently came to realize, what happens between India and Pakistan is the world's business, and has been since the nations became nuclear powers. A scientific study in 2019 assessed the potential consequences of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. It found that the detonations would create millions of tons of soot. Clouds of debris would blot out the sun and lower global temperatures to bring about worldwide famine. Millions of people would die, and billions could be affected. The scenario was set in 2025. This week, tensions between India and Pakistan eased following the truce. But the White House cannot grow complacent. It should lead a diplomatic effort with India and Pakistan to reduce risks in the short and long term to avoid a repeat of last week's rapid escalation and potential for miscalculation.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Richard Garwin, a designer of the first hydrogen bomb, dies at 97
Richard L. Garwin, a designer of the first hydrogen bomb, died Tuesday, his daughter-in-law, Tabatha Garwin confirmed to CBS News. The renowned scientist was 97 years old. A prominent scientist who advised several U.S. presidents, Garwin made contributions in nuclear weapons, physics, and in military technology, among many other areas. He published more than 500 papers and was granted 47 U.S. patents, according to The Garwin Archive maintained by the Federation of American Scientists. He was just 23 years old when he designed the first working hydrogen bomb, according to a profile written in IEEE Spectrum magazine. It was detonated in a test codenamed Ivy Mike at Enewetak Atoll in November 1952, yielding 10.4 megatons of TNT, the measurement that quantifies the force of nuclear weapons. Garwin's role had been largely unknown outside of a small circle of physicists, mathematicians, and engineers at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, who were involved with the project until 2001, the profile said. In 2016, former President Obama awarded Garwin the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his scientific work. In the citation, Mr. Obama said Garwin,"made pioneering contributions to U.S. defense and intelligence technologies." Garwin was honored with the National Medal of Science in 2002 and was awarded the Vannevar Bush Award in 2023, which honors exceptional lifelong leaders in science and technology. "Richard Garwin is truly remarkable," Dario Gil, Chair of the Board's External Engagement Committee, said in a statement. "His continuing contributions to society, both as a scientific researcher and presidential advisor, help bolster national security and improve international collaboration." Garwin was born in Cleveland in 1928 and lived in Scarsdale, New York. His wife, Lois, of 70 years, predeceased him. The couple had three children. Sneak peek: Fatal First Date Trump teases "good news" on Russia-Ukraine war Preview: "Sunday Morning: By Design" - A Weekend in New Orleans (May 18)
