In a series of routine exercises, the United States military conducted two tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
The launches, which occurred at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, involved Minuteman III missiles armed with dummy re-entry vehicles instead of live nuclear warheads.
Amid heightened geopolitical tensions, the Department of Defense emphasized that these tests were not in response to any specific world events. Rather, they were part of ongoing efforts to ensure the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the United States' nuclear deterrents, with over 300 similar tests conducted thus far.
Collaborating closely, the U.S. Air Force and Space Force orchestrated the launches, with the dummy warheads traveling approximately 4,200 miles before reaching their designated splashdown site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. (Related: Russia confirms test launch of new, nuclear-capable ICBM.)
While no official statement on the test outcomes was released, the military underscored the importance of maintaining a robust nuclear defense capability.
However, concerns linger within Washington regarding the aging Minuteman III system, which first became operational in the 1970s. Delays and budgetary challenges have plagued efforts to replace these missiles with the Sentinel program, whose first test flight is not expected until February 2026.
Admiral Charles Richard, head of U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), has previously voiced worries about the technical limitations of the Minuteman III, citing outdated documentation and maintenance difficulties.
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In response to these challenges, the Pentagon recently awarded a $405 million contract to Boeing for the maintenance and service of the Minuteman III missiles.
Modernization of U.S. nuclear arsenal a top priority
Despite these efforts, the urgent need for modernization and replacement within the U.S. nuclear arsenal remains a top priority.
"Our Strikers and our nuclear mission are the bedrock of our nation’s defense and international security," said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. "As part of that mission, our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad, and our test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective and credible global combat capability."
"The U.S. nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners around the globe," said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. "Today's test launch is just one example of how our nation’s ICBMs, and the professional Airmen who maintain and operate them, demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It showcases our commitment to deterrence as we stand on continuous alert, 24/7/365."
The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners.
Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch, and maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, provided maintenance support. The missile bases within AFGSC have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day, year-round, overseeing the nation’s ICBM alert forces.
The ICBM community, including the Pentagon, the Department of Energy and USSTRATCOM, uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation.
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.
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