U.S. Military Successfully Conducts Test Launch of Nuclear-Capable ICBM
US military test-launches nuclear-capable ICBM from California (photos)
Image: Space
The U.S. military test-launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 20. This routine test, part of regular verification of the missile arsenal, emphasizes the readiness and operational capability of the ICBM force, with future plans to replace the Minuteman III with the LGM-35 Sentinel missile.
- 01The test launch occurred just after midnight Pacific time on May 20, 2025.
- 02The missile's payload likely landed at the U.S. Army's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
- 03General S.L. Davis stated, 'Our ability to conduct these rigorous, realistic tests is foundational to our national security.'
- 04Modern ICBMs can travel distances of up to 3,400 miles (5,500 kilometers).
- 05The Minuteman III missile is being phased out and will be replaced by the LGM-35 Sentinel missile, currently in development.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
On May 20, 2025, the U.S. military conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This test aimed to assess the readiness of the U.S. ICBM arsenal and was planned years in advance, not in response to current global events. The launch occurred shortly after a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch and is part of routine verification exercises that occur several times a year. General S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, highlighted the importance of such tests for national security, stating, 'This launch verifies the health and readiness of our ICBM force.' The missile likely targeted the U.S. Army's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands. Modern ICBMs, capable of traveling up to 3,400 miles, are being phased out in favor of the new LGM-35 Sentinel missile being developed by Northrop Grumman.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you support the continued testing of nuclear-capable missiles?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.