USA successfully tests Minuteman III missile, travels 4,200 miles
On Tuesday, June 4, the USA launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, as announced in an official statement by the Air Force Global Strike Command. This marks another successful test of a weapon in the American nuclear triad. Here's a reminder of what characterizes the Minuteman III.
The Minuteman III was launched on June 4 after midnight local time (just after 8 AM Greenwich Mean Time) at Vandenberg Base in California. According to the disclosed information, the missile travelled 4,200 miles (approximately 6,800 kilometres) and hit a test range on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Powerful American missile
The Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It is enormous, measuring over 60 feet in length (about 18 meters), with a diameter of approximately 6 feet (around 2 meters). The launch mass of this missile reaches a staggering 70,500 pounds (around 32,000 kilograms). After launch, it can travel at a maximum speed of 15,000 mph (about 24,000 kilometres per hour). The maximum range of the Minuteman III is up to 8,080 miles (around 13,000 kilometres).
In the official statement, the Air Force Global Strike Command emphasized that this test launch was part of routine and periodic actions aimed at demonstrating American nuclear deterrence capabilities and reassuring US allies. However, it was denied that this connected to current global events.
– Our Strikers and our nuclear mission are the bedrock of our nation’s defence and international security. As part of that mission, our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad, and our test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective and credible global combat capability. – said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, quoted in the Air Force Global Strike Command statement.
A. Bussiere also reminded us that this weapon is part of the US nuclear triad. In addition to the land component that was just tested, it includes submarines with Trident II D5 missiles and strategic bombers.
Americans plan to move away from Minuteman III
The Minuteman III was put into service in 1970. It is currently estimated that the Americans have about 400-450 units, which are stored in specially reinforced silos. These facilities must provide a sufficient degree of protection against destruction (e.g., as a result of an enemy state attack or natural disaster).
The Americans have been working on a successor to the Minuteman III missiles for some time. These are the LGM-35 Sentinel missiles, which should reach operational readiness in 2029.
