The US military has test-launched a hypersonic nuclear missile designed to counter the growing military threat from China and Russia.
Military officials said the purpose of the test was to show the “readiness of American nuclear forces” and provide “confidence in the nation’s nuclear deterrent” amid fears of the growing threat of the outbreak of World War III.
At the demonstration, an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) lifted off at 12:56 a.m. PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds of more than 15,000 miles per hour to a testing range in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.
The US military on Tuesday test-launched a hypersonic nuclear missile amid the arms race with Russia and China.
At the demonstration, an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) lifted off at 12:56 a.m. PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
“This test launch marks the beginning of an extraordinary week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,” said Col. Bryan Titus, vice commander of Space Launch Delta 30, who was the authority for make decisions about launch.
“These tests are of immense importance, not only for the defense of our nation, but also serve as a crucial moment to showcase the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.”
The missile is capable of hitting any target around the world in just 30 minutes after launch. Air Force Technology Reports.
Moscow is about 5,900 miles from California, while Beijing is about 6,000 miles away: the two nations are considered a threat to the United States.
ICBMs are one of two currently used by the United States; the other is submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that are deployed from underwater submarines.
However, the US Titan reached top speeds of 16,000 mph when used between 1963 and 1987.
Titan was capable of traveling to a target more than 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes.
The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds of more than 15,000 miles per hour to a testing range in the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.
The US Titan (pictured) reached top speeds of 16,000 mph when used between 1963 and 1987. The Titan was capable of traveling to a target more than 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes.
But the missile was phased out to make way for more advanced systems, such as the MX Peacekeeper, which had similar speed and range.
The ICBM is a vital component of the US military’s nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world, but is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the Sentinel LGM-35A ICBM. .
The US Air Force said that “the Sentinel weapons system is the most cost-effective option to maintain a secure and effective land portion of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.”
The upcoming weapon will replace the 400 Minuteman III ICBMs currently in service for more than 50 years at the Air Force missile ranges at FE Warren Air Force Base (AFB), Wyoming; Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.
Tuesday’s demonstration was also the first of two test launches scheduled for this week; The next one is scheduled for Thursday.
Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to the Air Force Global Strike Command’s 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US.
The ICBM is a vital component of the US military’s nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world.
Officials have said such tests are not linked to global news, but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to standards.
“This test launch marks the beginning of an extraordinary week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,” Titus said.
“These tests are of immense importance, not only for the defense of our nation, but also serve as a crucial moment to showcase the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.”
While officials said the launch was nothing more than a test of the weapon, it came less than a week after former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that the invasion of Ukraine could end in a nuclear disaster.
The statement, issued on May 31, was the result of President Joe Biden lifting restrictions on the use of American weapons in Ukraine for direct attacks on Russian soil.
And days earlier, U.S. and Philippine marines carried out ominous war exercises on small islands a short distance from Taiwan in preparation to go into battle with China.
However, officials have said such tests are not related to global news, but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to standards.