US Military Tests Minuteman-III ICBM on Election Night
Amidst theheated political climate of the US presidential election, the US Air Force conducted a testlaunch of a Minuteman-III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on the night of November 5th, 2024. Theunarmed missile, equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at approximately 11pm Pacific time. It traveled approximately 4,200 miles (6,759 kilometers) before reaching the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
The test, according to the US Air Force Global Strike Command, aimed to assess the performance of the Minuteman-III missile system. Sensors at the test site collected radar, optical, and telemetry data during the missile’sterminal phase. The launch was conducted by a crew from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, using an airborne launch control system aboard a US Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft. The missile itself was randomly selected from the Minuteman-III arsenal at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, transported to Vandenberg, and reassembled for the test.
General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the US Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized the importance of the test in demonstrating the readiness of the US nuclear deterrent force. These tests demonstrate the ability of our strike force crews to execute the President’s orders if called upon, hestated. The airborne launch validates the survivability of our ICBMs, which are the strategic backbone of our nation’s and our allies’ and partners’ defense.
The US Air Force maintains that the test was a routine operation and not a response to any specific world events. This type of test has been conducted over300 times, serving as a demonstration of the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the US nuclear deterrent.
However, the timing of the test, coinciding with the US presidential election, has raised eyebrows. Some observers have pointed out the potential for misinterpretation, particularly in a tense geopolitical environment.
The Minuteman-III missile, which has been in service for over 50 years, is nearing the end of its service life. The US Air Force plans to replace it with the LGM-35A Sentinel missile after 2030. However, the Sentinel program is facingcost overruns, prompting the Air Force to seek ways to reduce expenses.
The test launch serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of nuclear deterrence in the US national security strategy. While the Minuteman-III missile is nearing retirement, the US remains committed to maintaining a credible and reliable nuclear deterrent force.
References:
- DefenseNews: [Link to DefenseNews article]
- Phoenix News: [Link to Phoenix News article]
- US Air Force Global Strike Command: [Link to official US Air Force statement]
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