The U.S. Air Force conducts ICBM test launches as part of its nuclear deterrence strategy
The U.S. Air Force conducted a routine launch of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that was able to carry nuclear warheads Wednesday morning, the military said.
The Air Force said the LGM-30G Militia III missile was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:01 a.m. Pacific time.
The military said the pistol's missile was equipped with a single Mark-21 high-fidelity back-entry vehicle, traveling at 15,000 mph to the test range near the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands, about 4,200 miles from the launch site.
“The release of this ICBM test highlights the strength of the U.S. nuclear deterrent and the preparation of the Triad's ICBM legs,” General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, said in a statement.
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An unarmed militia III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched in a combat test at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 21, 2025 (May 21, 2025). (Photo taken by senior pilot Kadielle Shaw)
The “triad” refers to three different types of nuclear weapons delivery systems that the US military can use to launch nuclear attacks. These systems are land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, subsea ballistic missiles and strategic bombers with nuclear power capabilities.
The military said the unarmed missile traveled at 15,000 mph to test range near the Kwajalin Atoll in the Marshall Islands, about 4,200 miles from the launch site. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Elora J. McCutcheon
The Air Force said the test was routine, “the response to current world events is not a response”, adding that more than 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past.
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“This test release is part of daily and regular activities to demonstrate that the U.S. nuclear deterrence remains safe, safe, reliable and effective in stopping the threats of the 21st century and reassurance that our allies are.”
Military officials say the launch is a routine test, not a response to current world activity. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Pilot Level 1 Jack Rodriguez Escamilla)
The military said the plan was a plan that began operation in the early 1970s and was strengthened over nearly 60 years.
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