Latest news with #MinutemanIII
Metro
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Here's how the US's new Golden Dome will work - and tackle its greatest threats
Earlier this week, Donald Trump unveiled his new line of defence for the US – a $175 billion 'Golden Dome'. Despite looking like something out of a Simpsons episode, Trump said the Golden Dome will have ground and space-based capabilities that are able to detect and stop missiles at all four major stages of a potential attack. While the dome's unveiling isn't new – it was one of the 200 executive orders he signed in January after returning to office for his second term – this week marked the first time we learned the details about it. The technology will allow the US to detect and destroy missiles before a launch, intercept them in their earliest stage of flight, stop them midcourse in the air, or halt them in the final minutes as they descend toward a target. Currently, China and Russia are two countries which have put offensive weapons, such as satellites with the ability to disable critical US satellites, into space. In 2021, China launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile which circled the globe before cruising onto its target. Ballistic missiles fly into outer space before returning on steep trajectories at higher speeds, but hypersonic weapons are faster and easier to direct. The race to build hypersonic missiles accelerated in the last decade, which seems to be a major factor in Trump's announcement. Russia is also known to flex its missile capabilities. Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles are often on display during military parades in the country, and have an operational range of around 7,500 miles. North Korea and Iran have also shown off their country's missiles, which prompted the US to launch their nuclear-capable Minuteman III hypersonic missile in a show of force. If tensions were to boil over, missiles in Russia, China and potentially Iran could reach the mainland US quickly – and Trump is worried. Russia has roughly 350 intercontinental ballistic missiles. China has 400, and North Korea has ten or fewer. Submarine-launched ballistic missiles aren't as common, but Russia has 182, and China has 72. In February, Trump carried out a nuclear-capable missile test launch. At the time, The United States Space Force said it was 'part of the nation's ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events'. The project is somewhat inspired by Israel's 'Iron Dome', which helps shoot down missiles before they reach their target. But Trump's will be much larger – and likely include many more surveillance satellites. There will also be a fleet of satellites that will shoot down offensive missiles soon after lift-off. If the Golden Dome is to work in the same way that the Iron Dome does, it would likely be made of It is made up of dozens of batteries, carrying multiple movable missile launchers. @metrouk Donald Trump has unveiled plans for his 'Golden Dome', a missile defence shield worth £130 billion – aimed at neutralizing attacks from Russia and China. In a theatrical press conference at the White House, the US president made big promises about 'protecting the homeland'. Behind him was a cardboard backdrop of the system that resembled a science project at school. #fyp #donaldtrump #worldnews #usnews #news ♬ original sound – Metro – Metro The system would identify incoming missiles within a certain radius, before putting a path to the rocket into its command-and-control centre. Once they receive this information, the control centre calculates the location of the rocket's impact and whether it is going to strike areas inhabited by people. Despite Trump announcing the concept, the Pentagon is still developing the requirements that Golden Dome will need to meet, which is not the way new systems are normally developed. More Trending The Pentagon and US Northern Command are still drafting what is known as an initial capabilities document, one US official has said. That is how Northern Command, which is responsible for homeland defence, identifies what it will need the system to do. The US already has many missile defence capabilities, such as the Patriot missile batteries that the US has provided to Ukraine to defend against incoming missiles, as well as an array of satellites in orbit to detect missile launches. Some of those existing systems will be incorporated into Golden Dome. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Russian jet capable of carrying guided bombs performing 'dangerous maneuvers' near Nato territory MORE: Donald Trump demands iPhones be made in the US – but is it even possible? MORE: British students will no longer be able to go to Harvard after Trump changes the rules
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.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
In Pics: All You Need To Know About US' Minuteman III Missile
The US Air Force launched a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Minuteman III, in a doomsday missile test on Wednesday. The missile was unarmed when it was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. According to the US Air Force, the missile flew about 4,200 miles, at a speed of more than 15,000 miles per hour, to the US Army Space and Missile Defence Command's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defence test site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Here's all you need to know about the Minuteman III Missile
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.
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
US launches nuclear missile in 'doomsday test' to showcase readiness amid growing WW3 fears
The US Air Force launched a hypersonic missile early Wednesday in what officials described as a 'doomsday test.' The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched at 12:01am PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The test coincided with President Donald Trump unveiling plans for a proposed $175 billion 'Golden Dome' defense system. According to Trump, the system is intended to protect the US from the world's most powerful weapons, drawing sharp criticism from China and Russia, who warn it could ignite a global arms race. The Air Force described Wednesday's launch as 'part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the US nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies.' The unarmed missile traveled 15,000 miles per hour, completing a 4,200-mile journey in approximately 22 minutes before reaching its target near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Data collected during the flight will be used to assess the missile system's performance and reliability. Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the test, said, 'Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nation's strategic deterrent, and the unwavering dedication of the Airmen who ensure its readiness is a testament to its inherent lethality. 'Their expertise and commitment are vital to maintaining this credible force for peace. As we look to the future, these same Airmen are paving the way for the Sentinel ICBM, ensuring a seamless transition to this next-generation capability and the continued security of our nation.' The unarmed missile traveled 15,000 miles per hour, completing a 4,200-mile journey in approximately 22 minutes before reaching its target near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean The hypersonic weapon was designed to hit any target worldwide in just 30 minutes after launch. Moscow sits about 6,000 miles from California, while Beijing is about 6,3000 miles away - two nations deemed as threats to the US. America's ICBM is capable of carrying three Mk 12A nuclear warheads, each packing up to 350,000 tons of TNT, but today's test launched an unarmed missile. The Air Force randomly chose a missile from F.E. Warren Air Force base in Wyoming and transported more it than 1,300 miles to California where it was reassembled. 'With more than 300 similar tests conducted in the past, this test is part of the Nation's ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events,' officials said. The ICBM is one of two missiles currently used by America. The other is submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that are deployed from underwater submarines. The weapon is a vital component of the US military's nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world, but is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. The US Air Force said that 'the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.' The LG-35A Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. Until full capability is achieved in the mid-2030s, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent. While Trump's 'Golden Dome' is set to be operational by the end of his term in 2029. Such a defence programme is 'long overdue' and 'absolutely necessary' amid growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia, experts have said in response to Tuesday's announcement. The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds over 15,000 miles per hour to a test range on the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean Moscow and Beijing have both put offensive weapons in space, such as satellites with abilities to disable critical US satellites, which can make America vulnerable to attack. Beijing has warned that the plan to put US weapons into the earth's orbit for the first time 'heightens the risk of space becoming a battlefield, fuels an arms race, and undermines international security.' Meanwhile Moscow has called for Washington to make contact regarding the programme. Trump said on Tuesday that he had not yet spoken to Vladimir Putin regarding the programme, but would do so 'at the right time '. Following talks between the allies earlier this month, Beijing and Moscow released a joint statement condemning Washington's plans as being 'deeply destabilising' and turning space into 'an arena for armed confrontation.' Trump promised that the completed system will protect the US from 'cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, drones, whether they're conventional or nuclear.'
