USA successfully tests Minuteman III missile, marks impressive milestone
6:09 AM EDT, June 5, 2024
On Tuesday, June 4, the USA launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, as announced in an official statement by the Air Force Global Strike Command. This marks another successful test of a weapon in the American nuclear triad. Here's a reminder of what characterizes the Minuteman III.
The Minuteman III was launched on June 4 just after midnight local time (after 3 AM Eastern Time) at Vandenberg Base in California. According to disclosed information, the missile traveled over 4,200 miles (almost 6,800 km) and hit a test range on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Powerful American missile
The Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is enormous, measuring over 60 feet in length and approximately 6 feet in diameter. The launch mass reaches a staggering 70,500 pounds. After launch, it can travel at a maximum speed of 15,000 mph. The maximum range of the Minuteman III is up to 8,080 miles.
In the official statement, the Air Force Global Strike Command emphasized that this test launch was part of routine and periodic actions aimed at demonstrating American nuclear deterrence capabilities and reassuring US allies. However, it was denied that this has any connection to current global events.
“Our missiles and our nuclear mission are the foundation of our nation's defense and international security. As part of our mission, ICBM forces provide strategic deterrence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are ready to respond at any moment,” said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, quoted in the Air Force Global Strike Command statement.
A. Bussiere also reminded that this weapon is part of the US nuclear triad. Besides the land component that was just tested, it also includes submarines with Trident II D5 missiles and strategic bombers.
Americans plan to move away from Minuteman III
The Minuteman III was put into service in 1970. It is currently estimated that the Americans have about 400-450 units, which are stored in specially reinforced silos. These facilities must provide a sufficient degree of protection against destruction (e.g., as a result of an enemy state attack or natural disaster).
The Americans have been working on a successor to the Minuteman III missiles for some time. These are the LGM-35 Sentinel missiles, which should reach operational readiness in 2029.
