Chinanews.com, February 10th. According to the website of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, at 11:01 p.m. Fort Air Force Base launched a Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile without a warhead.
On the evening of February 9, Pacific time, the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command launched an unequipped "Minuteman 3" intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
Image source: Screenshot of the website of the US Air Force Global Strike Command
The command said the test was part of a routine test campaign designed to demonstrate that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and effective enough to reassure allies in deterring 21st century threats.
The command also stated that more than 300 such tests have been carried out and that this test "was not the result (caused) of major events in the world today."
"The test launches demonstrate the core of our deterrence mission on the world stage, assuring our nation and its allies that our weapons are strong and our Airmen are ready and willing to fight Defend global peace at a moment's notice."
The test launch is said to have verified the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrence.
According to reports, the "Minuteman 3" intercontinental ballistic missile has a range of about 12,500 kilometers. It is an important part of the trinity strategic nuclear force of the United States, and it is also the main land-based strategic ballistic missile in active service of the US military.