The US Air Force showcases its nuclear readiness with a Minuteman III test launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
Meanwhile, Trump is working with Russia to begin the denuclearization process. Which sounds like a great idea…
At a Glance
- Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM test launch scheduled for February 18-19, 2025
- Launch demonstrates readiness and effectiveness of US nuclear forces
- Test is routine, planned years in advance, and not related to current world events
- Minuteman III is a critical component of US strategic defense system
- Launch showcases the reliability of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS)
Demonstrating Nuclear Readiness
The US Air Force is set to conduct a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California. The launch window is scheduled between 11:01 p.m. PT on February 18 and 5:01 a.m. PT on February 19, 2025. This routine test, planned years in advance, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the readiness and reliability of America’s nuclear deterrent capabilities.
Air Force Global Strike Command, responsible for overseeing the test, emphasized the importance of these launches.
“The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” Air Force Global Strike Command said.
Safe + Secure
An unarmed Minuteman III #ICBM was launched early Tuesday morning as part of a pre-scheduled, routine test—reiterating the continuing efficacy of the most responsive leg of the U.S. nuclear triad.@DeptofDefense @usairforce @US_STRATCOMhttps://t.co/CqtoqD4fZw
— Air Force Global Strike Command (@AFGlobalStrike) June 4, 2024
The Minuteman III, a cornerstone of US strategic defense, was developed in the 1950s and first deployed in the 1960s. With a range of 6,000 miles and capable of reaching speeds up to 15,000 mph, these missiles are housed in silos for protection and monitored by launch crews in underground control centers. Currently, 400 Minuteman Missiles are strategically located at Space Force Bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota.
The recent test launch in November 2024 demonstrated the reliability and effectiveness of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS). The missile, equipped with multiple targetable re-entry vehicles, traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
While the Minuteman III continues to serve as a vital component of US nuclear deterrence, plans are underway for its replacement. The LG-35A Sentinel is set to take over, with initial capability expected in 2029 and full operational status in the mid-2030s. Until then, the Air Force remains committed to maintaining the Minuteman III as a viable deterrent.
“Ensuring the reliability of the U.S. nuclear enterprise serves as the bedrock of our mission here at Vandenberg,” Col. Dustin Harmon said.
The upcoming test launch adheres to international protocols. The United States will issue a pre-launch notification as per the Hague Code of Conduct and inform the Russian government in line with bilateral agreements. This transparency underscores the routine nature of these tests, which have been conducted over 300 times before, and their role in maintaining global strategic stability.
