US tests Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile
The US tests the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (afgsc.af.mil)
The United States has conducted a test of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. The purpose of the launch was to demonstrate readiness for nuclear deterrence, according to the US Air Force Global Strike Command.
The missile launch occurred at 11:01 PM on November 5, Pacific Time.
A team of Global Strike Command airmen and a Navy crew launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, equipped with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Such tests have been conducted over 300 times and were not a response to current world events. The missile launch serves as a demonstration that the US nuclear deterrent is safe, reliable, and effective for deterring threats and reassuring allies.
The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile traveled approximately 4,200 miles (over 6,700 kilometers) to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site, located in the Marshall Islands.
North Korea also recently conducted a launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. Japan reported that the North Korean missile flew for 86 minutes, marking the longest recorded flight of a DPRK missile.
According to Japan and South Korea, the missile reached a record altitude of 7,000 kilometers. As reported by the specialized publication Defense Express, such a missile could potentially reach distances of up to 17,000 kilometers, meaning it could strike targets in Europe and the United States.
Ukraine condemned North Korea's missile launches, calling Pyongyang's actions an irresponsible provocation.
