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Newsweek
26-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Air Force Jets Perform World First Formation Over Miami Beach
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. Jets with the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) flew its "first-ever tri-bomber/fighter dissimilar formation" over Miami Beach in a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday for a "freedom flyover" to commemorate those who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military. Why It Matters AFGSC is a major command within the Air Force responsible for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations. Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May. While many view it as the unofficial start to summer, the day is meant to be a way to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the U.S. military. What To Know For Memorial Day this year, the U.S. Air Force unveiled its first ever "seven-ship" tri-bomber formation during the Hyundai Air and Sea Show that took place over the weekend. The show was led by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber and included the B-1B Lancer, B-52H Stratofortress, F-22 Raptor, F-15C Eagle, F-16C Fighting Falcon, and A-10 Thunderbolt. "This wasn't just an air show - it was a powerful tribute to those who gave everything and a celebration of the strength that defends our nation every single day," the AFGSC wrote on its Facebook reel with a video of the formation fly over. A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 4. A Lockheed-Martin F-22A Raptor of the US Air Force flies over the grid during the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May People Are Saying U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command wrote on Facebook on Saturday: "The Active duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard pilots united as one unstoppable force while thousands witnessed aviation history." Veteran Affairs Secretary Doug Collins said last week: "Every day throughout the year, VA plays a vital role in remembering and honoring the brave service members who gave their lives in defense of the freedoms America holds dear. This Memorial Day weekend, we invite Americans to visit VA cemeteries and join us in reflecting upon the important legacies of these fallen heroes." John Raughter, a Marine Corps veteran and spokesperson for the American Legion National Headquarters, previously told Newsweek about the holiday: "It is to unify and celebrate that America over the past 250 years has been blessed with more than 1 million heroic men and women who believed through their actions that this was a country worth dying for. There is nothing wrong with attending a barbecue, visiting a beach and enjoying other activities with family and friends. Many of our fallen heroes engaged in such activities. But it is important to take a few moments during the weekend to reflect on why the last Monday in May is a holiday and who has made it possible for us to enjoy such freedoms."
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.
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:
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.
Miami Herald
22-04-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Indo-Pacific Map Shows Where US Bombers Operate Outside of America
The United States has been rotating its bomber fleet, including those that are equipped for nuclear armament, in the Indo-Pacific region to deter aggression, a Newsweek map shows. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, which is responsible for the entire American bomber force, is ready to conduct Bomber Task Force (BTF) operations "anyplace, anytime, and for any duration required," the Louisiana-based command told Newsweek on Monday. The U.S. Air Force operates three types of bombers in active service: the nuclear-capable B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress and the B-1B Lancer, which can carry up to 75,000 pounds of nonnuclear weapons. American bombers have been conducting BTF missions since 2018 in the European and Pacific theaters by deploying at U.S. and allied air bases for an unspecified period, demonstrating the Pentagon's ability to "command and control bomber forces anywhere." These missions, which are regular and routine, show the U.S. is committed to strengthening deterrence and promoting peace and stability by providing "combat-ready forces for nuclear and conventional global strike," according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command. Since the commencement of BTF missions, the U.S. has sent its bombers to five locations in the Indo-Pacific region that are outside the continental U.S., including two locations on U.S. territory: Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii. Guam and Hawaii are part of the second and third island chains, respectively, under a U.S. containment strategy to restrict Russian and Chinese military access to the Pacific Ocean. Both islands also serve as strategic outposts for projecting the U.S.'s military power. The remaining locations are Royal Australian Air Force Base Amberley in Australia, Misawa Air Base in Japan and Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia in the British Indian Ocean Territory. Australia and Japan are located within the first and second island chains. Each BTF mission involves two to four aircraft and lasts for a month on average. The U.S. is currently conducting two deployments: the B-1B bombers at Misawa Air Base and the B-2 bombers at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia. While the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek that it would refrain from discussing the number of deployed bombers and the length of their presence in Japan, it has been confirmed that this will be a "limited deployment" for training with U.S. allies and partners in the region. Prior to the first-ever rotational BTF deployment in Japan, the B-1B bombers took part in training with the South Korean air force in the ally's airspace. North Korea later condemned Washington for "escalating tension" and "inciting confrontation" in the Korean Peninsula. Earlier this month, the Pentagon said additional "air assets" had been ordered to deploy to the Middle East amid rising tensions. However, it has yet to confirm the deployment of as many as six B-2 bombers at the Indian Ocean outpost, which were spotted by satellite imagery. The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command told Newsweek: "Our command is committed to working with U.S. allies and partners to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific; those allies and partners provide an asymmetric advantage that our adversaries can never hope to match." The U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek: "The U.S. Air Force routinely deploys a variety of aircraft and units throughout the Indo-Pacific area of operations in support of geographic combatant command objectives and training. … Bomber Task Force deployments support the larger Indo-Pacific strategy to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific and are not in direct response to any political or economic factors." The U.S. looks for every opportunity to train alongside allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region to bolster collective ability, the U.S. Pacific Air Forces told Newsweek. It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will expand BTF missions by sending bombers to new locations. Related Articles Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal with TrumpChina Releases Video of Encounter With US Aircraft Carrier Fighter JetIf Nations Won't Fight Global Warming, Cities Can and Will | OpinionUS Bolsters Israel With Airlift Amid Regional Threats 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
