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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
US tests launch of nuclear-capable ICBM Minuteman III in show of force
The U.S. Air Force conducted a routine launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on Wednesday morning, the military said. The LGM-30G Minuteman III missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time, the Air Force said. The unarmed missile, equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle, traveled 15,000 mph to a test range near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, located about 4,200 miles from the launch site, the military said. "This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad," Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, said in a statement. Trump Unveils 'Golden Dome' Missile Shield, Blindsides Key Senators The "triad" refers to the three different types of nuclear weapons delivery systems that the U.S. military can use to launch nuclear attacks. The systems are land-based ICBMs, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and nuclear-capable strategic bombers. Read On The Fox News App The Air Force said the test was routine and "not a response to current world events," adding that more than 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past. Iran's Khamenei Says Americans Should Avoid Talking 'Nonsense' In Nuke Talks "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," the Air Force said. The Minuteman weapon system is a program that first became operational in the early 1970s, and has received enhancements over the course of nearly 60 years, the military said. The Air Force now plans to replace the aging Minuteman with the modernized Sentinel article source: US tests launch of nuclear-capable ICBM Minuteman III in show of force
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First Post
22-05-2025
- Politics
- First Post
What is the Minuteman III missile that the US just launched?
The US Air Force successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III missile from California, showcasing the strength of its land-based nuclear deterrent. As America transitions to the next-generation Sentinel ICBM, this test was aimed at highlighting the continued relevance of the ageing Minuteman III system read more An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 Pacific Time May 21, 2025, at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, US. Image/US Air Force The United States successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in the early hours of May 21, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The test, which forms part of a long-standing series of routine operations, was aimed at showcasing America's continued reliance on and maintenance of its nuclear deterrence triad amid ongoing preparations to introduce the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. The Minuteman III, a key component of US strategic defence, has long served as the sole land-based missile in the nation's nuclear triad. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The recent launch was executed at 12:01 am Pacific Time by a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command personnel. The unarmed missile, fitted with a high-fidelity Mark-21 reentry vehicle, was fired from Vandenberg and flew approximately 4,200 miles before reaching its target at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defence Test Site on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. AFGSC Airmen & Guardians supported an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM on May 21 at 12:01 am PT. This test validates the safety & readiness of the weapon system. Read here: | @usairforce | @SpaceForceDoD | @ArmySMDC — Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) May 21, 2025 According to US General Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, 'This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad.' He added, 'This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who support them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These tests are conducted as part of routine assurance measures and are not tied to any particular global incident. With over 300 similar launches conducted to date, they serve to validate the operational capability, security and accuracy of the US nuclear missile systems. What we know about Minuteman III The LGM-30G Minuteman III is a land-based intercontinental ballistic missile deployed by the US Air Force Global Strike Command. Introduced in the early 1970s, the Minuteman III was the first missile in the US arsenal to feature multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). Originally capable of carrying three warheads, current configurations carry a single warhead, in compliance with arms control agreements. The missile operates using a three-stage, solid-fuel rocket engine, allowing for rapid launch readiness and reduced maintenance complexity compared to older liquid-fuel designs. This technological advancement enabled Minuteman missiles to be kept in a constant state of alert, a critical capability during the Cold War and beyond. An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile streaks through the sky of Vandenberg in California, US, August 25, 2005. File Image/Reuters With a maximum range of approximately 13,000 kilometres, the Minuteman III is capable of reaching targets across continents. It stands 18.2 metres tall, has a diameter of 1.85 metres, and weighs over 34,000 kilograms at launch. Its reentry vehicles, particularly the Mark 21 variant, have yield estimates ranging between 300 and 475 kilotonnes and are guided by an advanced inertial navigation system with an accuracy of around 120 metres circular error probable (CEP). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Each missile is housed in a hardened underground silo, connected to a launch control center via reinforced cables. Around-the-clock monitoring is conducted by dual-officer crews who maintain constant alert status. The system also includes redundant communication pathways, including the E-6B airborne launch control centers, which can assume control of missiles in the event of disrupted ground communications. About the recent missile launch The Western Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary hub for ICBM test launches. The operation was supervised by the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the only dedicated US ICBM testing unit. US Colonel Dustin Harmon, who commands the group, highlighted the importance of the missile and the people who maintain it: 'Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nation's strategic deterrent and the unwavering dedication of the Airmen who ensure its readiness are a testament to its inherent lethality.' Support also came from missile wings stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. Teams from these wings provided technical assistance and helped with system maintenance ahead of the launch. At the other end of the test, the Reagan Test Site in the Marshall Islands played a key role in collecting radar, optical, and telemetry data. These data sets were instrumental in evaluating the missile's performance during its terminal flight phase. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, range director at Reagan Test Site, highlighted its global relevance: 'Reagan Test Site is an indispensable national asset, uniquely equipped to support critical tests of our nation's offensive and defensive systems, including all Glory Trip missions.' What will replace the Minuteman III The Minuteman III forms one leg of the US nuclear triad, alongside the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missiles and air-launched nuclear weapons aboard strategic bombers. This triad ensures that the United States retains the ability to respond to a nuclear attack from multiple platforms, enhancing deterrence through survivability and redundancy. Although the Minuteman III has performed reliably for over five decades, it is now nearing the end of its service life. The US Air Force plans to replace it with the LGM-35A Sentinel as part of the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) programme. The Sentinel is expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2029, with a complete transition projected through the 2030s. Also Watch: During the interim, the US continues to invest in extending the Minuteman III's viability. Between 2002 and 2012, nearly $7 billion was allocated for upgrades to extend the missile's service life to 2030. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Air Force currently maintains about 450 Minuteman III missiles, distributed across missile fields in North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming, with around 150 missiles per location. Col. Harmon stated, '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.' A look at the history of Minuteman series The Minuteman series originated in the 1950s, with the goal of developing a missile system that could be launched at a moment's notice. Unlike earlier liquid-fuelled rockets that required lengthy fuelling procedures and were vulnerable to pre-emptive strikes, the Minuteman's solid-fuel design enabled it to remain launch-ready for extended periods. The first Minuteman missile entered service in 1962 as a second-strike deterrent. Over time, evolving threats and technological developments shifted the missile's role from targeting cities to striking hardened military assets such as enemy missile silos. With the retirement of the LGM-118 Peacekeeper missile in 2005, the Minuteman III became the only land-based ICBM in active US service. The US Strategic Command, in partnership with the Department of Defence and the Department of Energy, continues to use data from these test launches to guide force development and modernisation efforts. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Although modifications under treaties like START and New START have reduced the number of warheads per missile, the Minuteman III's design allows for potential reconfiguration should the global security landscape demand it. With inputs from agencies
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
US launches Minuteman III missile to show ‘strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent': Watch
The US Air Force recently launched a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) which is capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to anywhere on Earth. The launch took place on Wednesday morning, May 21, as part of a regular test of the country's doomsday missiles. The Minuteman III missile launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the military said, according to the New York Post. The missile was unarmed at the time of the launch. Officials confirmed that the missile traveled 15,000 miles per hour to a test site in the Marshall Islands 4,200 miles away. The Minuteman is a 1970-era program that the Air Force has planned to replace with the Sentinel system. However, delays and cutbacks have been plaguing the program. Wednesday's launch came with the message that America's nuclear deterrent is still ready. 'This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad,' Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of the U.S. Global Strike Command, said in a statement. The Air Force also said that the test was routine and not a response to the world events taking place at present. The Air Force's initial plan was to decommission all of its Cold War-era missiles by 2039. However, the Sentinel has not been fully tested yet. In fact, delays plaguing the program could postpone the transition date to at least 2050, Bloomberg reported. The Air Force has insisted that the Sentinel program is on track, and that 'until full capability is achieved, the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.' In a clarification, the Air Force said that themissile test was "not a response to current world events.' It said it was only a routine test as part of the 1970-era Minuteman III program.
India.com
22-05-2025
- Science
- India.com
World's most powerful nuclear missile tested by US, has alarming strike range, capable of global destruction, hard to intercept, it is called…, can travel at speed of…
The United States has once again tested its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The launch was carried out on May 21 by a team from the US Air Force Global Strike Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. What makes this test significant is that the missile was equipped with a single Mk-21 high-fidelity reentry vehicle. This upgrade is expected to significantly boost America's nuclear strike capabilities. The Minuteman III missile can hit targets anywhere in the world and is extremely hard to intercept, even with advanced air defense systems. US air force issues statement In a statement, the US Air Force explained that Vandenberg Space Force Base is the primary testing ground for the deterrence capabilities of the Air Force's Global Strike Command. They clarified that the missile test was part of routine operations and not a response to any current global events. The statement clarified that over 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past. This latest launch was meant to demonstrate that the US nuclear deterrent remains secure, reliable, and capable of addressing modern-day threats while reassuring allies of its strength. US calls missile test essential for national security General Thomas Bussiere, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized the importance of the recent ICBM test, saying, 'This launch highlights the readiness of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the ICBM leg of the nuclear triad.' He credited the dedicated team of Airmen including missile operators, defenders, helicopter crews, and their support teams for maintaining this powerful security system that ensures the safety of the U.S. and its allies. The test was overseen by the 377th Test and Evaluation Group at Vandenberg Space Force Base. This unit is the country's only dedicated ICBM testing organization, conducting professional evaluations that assess both current and future capabilities of America's land-based missile force. About the Minuteman III Missile The full name of the missile is LGM-30G Minuteman III. Here's what the designation stands for: L = Launched from a silo G = Ground attack capability M = Guided missile 30 = Part of the Minuteman missile series G (at the end) = Refers to the current Minuteman-III variant This missile is powered by three solid-fuel rocket motors: Stage 1: ATK M55A1 Stage 2: ATK SR-19 Stage 3: ATK SR-73 The total weight of the Minuteman III is approximately 36,030 kilograms. This powerful weapon can travel thousands of kilometers and is a key part of the US nuclear deterrent, designed to remain effective against 21st-century threats. Minuteman III can strike targets up to 10,000 km away The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) has an impressive range of up to 10,000 kilometers, allowing it to strike targets across the globe. It can travel at a staggering speed of 24,000 kilometers per hour. One of its most powerful features is its ability to carry up to three nuclear warheads, which means it can hit three different targets in a single launch. Each Minuteman III missile costs around USD 7 million, and the United States currently has about 530 active units in its arsenal. The missile is developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, one of America's leading aerospace and defense companies.
News18
22-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
US Launches Doomsday Minuteman III Nuclear-Capable Missile
Last Updated: Minuteman III Launch: The US Air Force has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the Minuteman III "remains a viable deterrent". The US Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, in what officials described as a 'doomsday missile test." The launch was captured on video and comes as Washington reaffirms the strength of its nuclear deterrent. What Is Minuteman III? The Minuteman III, a nuclear-capable missile, traveled approximately 4,200 miles at a speed exceeding 15,000 miles per hour, reaching the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. At 12:01am on May 21, 2025, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command launched an LGM-30G 'Minuteman III" Unarmed Nuclear-Capable Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.… — OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 21, 2025 The Minuteman III is equipped with a single Mark-21 high-fidelity re-entry vehicle, which would typically carry a nuclear payload in an operational scenario. The missile has undergone numerous tests in the past, including one just before Donald Trump declared his presidential victory in November 2024. The Minuteman program, dating back to the 1970s, is slated for replacement by the Sentinel system. The Air Force has affirmed its commitment to ensuring the Minuteman III 'remains a viable deterrent" until the Sentinel achieves full operational capability. General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the US Global Strike Command, emphasized the significance of the test, saying, 'This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad." He further praised the personnel who maintain this critical capability, adding, '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." Why Minuteman III Is Crucial? The test coincides with US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of initial $25 billion funding for 'Golden Dome," a proposed nationwide missile defense system. TDonald rump envisions a comprehensive system capable of defending against a wide range of threats, from ICBMs to hypersonic and cruise missiles and drones, with an eventual cost estimated at $175 billion. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published:
