US Launches Hypersonic Missile to Show Nuclear Readiness

The US Air Force conducted a hypersonic missile test early Wednesday, launching a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The exercise, which began at 1 a.m. PT (5 a.m. ET), was designed to demonstrate the nation’s nuclear deterrent capabilities, emphasizing that the system remains “safe, secure, reliable, and effective.”

The launch came just hours after Russia deployed its Yars ICBM for combat training, though the Air Force clarified that the test was pre-scheduled and not a direct response to global events. Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth stated, “Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of US nuclear forces.”

The Minuteman III missile, traveling at 15,000 miles per hour, completed a 4,200-mile journey to a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean in approximately 22 minutes. The unarmed missile was randomly selected from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming and transported over 1,300 miles to California for reassembly and launch.

Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, highlighted the importance of the test, stating, “This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements.” The exercise collected critical performance data to assess the missile’s capabilities and ensure its readiness for potential future threats.

The Minuteman III is a cornerstone of the US nuclear triad, capable of delivering up to three Mk 12A nuclear warheads, each with a yield of up to 350,000 tons of TNT. However, the missile is slated to be phased out by 2029 and replaced by the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM. The Sentinel system, expected to achieve initial operational capability by 2029, is designed to extend the US land-based nuclear deterrent through 2075.

The US Air Force emphasized that the Sentinel is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent. Until the Sentinel reaches full capability in the mid-2030s, the Air Force remains committed to ensuring the Minuteman III remains a viable and reliable component of the nation’s defense strategy.

The timing of the US test follows Russia’s recent display of its nuclear capabilities. Two weeks prior, Russia conducted stealth maneuvers with its Yars ICBMs in the Volga region. The Yars missile, which can be deployed on mobile truck carriers or from silos, is a key element of Russia’s nuclear arsenal. The Russian Defense Ministry released footage of Yars launchers navigating snowy forests, underscoring its readiness to counter potential threats.

The US and Russia, both nuclear superpowers, have increasingly showcased their strategic capabilities amid rising global tensions. While the US maintains that its tests are routine and not tied to specific geopolitical events, the simultaneous demonstrations highlight the ongoing arms race and the importance of maintaining a credible deterrent.

The Minuteman III launch also serves as a reassurance to US allies, demonstrating the nation’s commitment to global security. As the US transitions to the Sentinel system, the Air Force continues to prioritize the modernization of its nuclear forces to address 21st-century threats effectively.

In a world where nuclear deterrence remains a critical component of national security, the US Air Force’s latest test underscores the importance of readiness, precision, and reliability. As global dynamics evolve, maintaining a robust and credible nuclear deterrent will remain a top priority for the United States.

The successful launch of the Minuteman III not only validates the current system’s capabilities but also sets the stage for the next generation of nuclear defense, ensuring that the US remains prepared to address emerging challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape.