US Conducts Unexpected Minuteman III ICBM Test
In the early hours of February 19, 2025, at precisely 1:00 a.m. Pacific Time, the United States Air Force Global Strike Command executed a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This operation underscores the reliability and readiness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent in an era marked by strategic competition between the World’s leading states.
The Minuteman III, a main asset of America’s land-based nuclear arsenal since the 1970s, was equipped with a single telemetered joint test assembly re-entry vehicle for this test. The missile traversed approximately 4,200 miles upon launch, ending its journey at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands. This flight path allowed for broad data collection on the missile’s performance, contributing to the validation and improvement of the weapon system’s accuracy and reliability.
Col. Dorian Hatcher, deputy commander of Space Launch Delta 30, emphasized the significance of such tests, stating, “Facilitating test launches from the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base is a critical component of our mission and the national defense strategy.” He further lauded the dedication of the Guardians and Airmen involved, highlighting their role in ensuring a credible and effective deterrent for the nation.
Routine testing of the Minuteman III is imperative for maintaining the operational readiness of the U.S. ICBM fleet. These evaluations, planned years in advance, serve to demonstrate the nation’s capability to deter adversaries and assure allies of its defense commitments. In adherence to international protocols and to promote transparency, the United States provided advance notification of this test to Russia and other nations. The test marks an unexpected event, especially in light of the recent conventional operational use of Russia’s Oreshnik missile, which is supposedly capable of carrying a nuclear payload, in the ongoing War in Ukraine.
The Minuteman III system, first deployed in the 1960s, remains a pivotal element of the U.S. strategic defense system. However, said systems require continuous maintenance and care from specialized team works as their aged components often tend to surpass their lifetime serviceability. Work on its replacement, Sentinel, is ongoing.
Cover picture: Courtesy of US STRATCOM