Pentagon announces another test of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile TOMORROW in latest move in the arms race against China and Russia
- Pentagon says it will test a Minuteman III missile on Wednesday
- A spokesman said Russia had been told of the launch – in line with safe guards
- Previous tests have been delayed amid escalating tension with Russia and China
- The test is to ‘demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces’
- The ICBM will be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California
The United States will test a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, the Pentagon announced, and has notified Moscow of the impending launch.
A Pentagon spokesman said the test was routine and was intended to demonstrate the readiness of the U.S. military’s ICBM arsenal.
It is the latest in a string of launches, some of which have been delayed in order to avoid escalating tensions with China over Taiwan and with Russia, as it wages war in Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said an unarmed missile would be launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Wednesday.
‘This launch is a routine test, which was scheduled far in advance and consistent with previous tests this ICBM launch will validate and verify effectiveness and readiness of the system,’ he said.
He added that Russia had been notified, in line with treaty commitments.
This image shows a previous launch of a Minuteman III missile from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The missile is a key component of the US nuclear arsenal
Pentagon spokesman Air Force Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder announced the test on Tuesday, and said the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin had been informed
‘The purpose of the ICBM test launch programme is to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,’ he added.
The Minuteman III is a vital part of the U.S. military’s strategic arsenal.
The nuclear-capable missile has a range of more than 6,000 and can travel at speeds of up to 15,000 miles per hour.
Development of the original Minuteman began in the 1950s and it took its name from the Colonial Minutemen of the American Revolutionary War, who were ready to fight at short notice.
A test was delayed last month after China deployed dozens of planes and fired missiles near Taiwan in a show of strength in response to the visit of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
White House security spokesman John Kirby said at the time that the decision to delay was taken by President Joe Biden.
‘As China engages in destabilizing military exercises around Taiwan, the United States is demonstrating instead the behavior of a responsible nuclear power by reducing the risks of miscalculation and misperception,’ he said.
August’s test launch of an ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base is seen above. The test had been delayed from earlier this month to avoid escalating tensions with China
The Minuteman III traveled 4,200 miles from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Santa Barbara, California to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands
That angered Republicans, who accused the White House of trying to placate Chinese Premier Xi Jinping’s ‘tantrums.’
‘These weak-kneed pearl-clutching attempts at appeasement hurts our readiness and will only invite further aggression by our adversaries,’ said Rep Mike Rogers (R-AL), lead Republican on the House Armed Services Committee.
The test was eventually conducted after a 12-day delay.
The Minuteman III’s re-entry vehicle traveled 4,200 miles from Vandenberg Space Force Base near Santa Barbara, California to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, officials confirmed.
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