The US shoots down its own ballistic missile. An unidentified "anomaly"
The US Air Force has disclosed the self-destruction of its own ballistic missile. The Intercontinental LGM-30 G Minuteman III self-destructed over the Pacific.
9:09 AM EDT, November 3, 2023
Alerts had previously gone out regarding tests of the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, LGM-30 G Minuteman III, expected to take place from October 31 to November 1. The US kept its word but, rather than showcasing the reliability of their nuclear arsenal, the result was a significant misfire. The intercontinental missile successfully self-destructed, due to an unidentified "anomaly".
Minuteman III's role in the American nuclear arsenal
The Minuteman III is a centerpiece of the American nuclear deterrence system. These intercontinental ballistic missiles give the US capabilities to reach almost any corner of the globe. The War Zone service reports that the US Air Force has 400 such missiles located across five states.
Presently, the Minuteman III is only equipped with single nuclear warheads, but it can carry more. At its most potent, it can transport three separately targeted thermonuclear warheads each with a yield varying between 300 to 500 kT over distances of up to 9,000 miles.
The course of the Minuteman III intercontinental missile test
A press release from the US Air Force Global Strike Command disclosed that the LGM-30 G missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The missile was unarmed, and the order for immediate termination of the maneuver came from the Space Launch Delta 30 unit.
Public sources suggest the discrepancy occurred during the initial phase of the launch. Photographs and recordings indicate the missile's trajectory heightened unexpectedly after launch, with debris falling following separation. However, these signs do not necessarily pinpoint the cause of the sudden test termination.
Unofficial experts suggest the missile's unusual behavior could be caused by a malfunction or could be a reaction to ground control actions. Minuteman III may have responded to a self-destruct command in this manner.
Did the Minuteman III fail?
While a failure of an intercontinental ballistic missile test for unknown reasons sounds alarming, it would be misguided to jump to conclusions. Despite the fact that the Minuteman III is a crucial part of the nuclear arsenal, the Americans have been using it for over 50 years. This is not its first test and a rapid deactivation does not necessarily imply unreliability.
The rocket tests it undergoes can have many goals, and the military seldom discusses their results and progress. In this context, the term "anomaly" can mean anything. It might refer to unexpected irregularities, the quick identification of a previously known malfunction, or an exercise in command procedure.
