US Air Force confirms launch of Minuteman lll ‘doomsday’ missile in show of force

The United States launched a nuclear-capable Minuteman lll “doomsday” missile in a show of force.

A joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time. The missile, equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, and traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The test is part of routine activities to demonstrate the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the United States’ nuclear deterrent.

Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized the importance of the test, stating, “This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad.”

The U.S. nuclear triad is comprised of the following components:

• Land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)
• Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs)
• Strategic bombers

Vandenberg’s 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the nation’s only dedicated ICBM test organization, oversaw the launch. Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the group, highlighted the significance of the Minuteman III, saying, “Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nation’s strategic deterrent and the unwavering dedication of the Airmen who ensure its readiness are a testament to its inherent lethality.”

The Reagan Test Site played a crucial role in the test, with Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, RTS range director, noting, “Reagan Test Site is an indispensable national asset, uniquely equipped to support critical tests of our nation’s offensive and defensive systems.”

The test launch involved months of preparation and collaboration among multiple government partners, including Airmen from all three missile wings and maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Force Base, Wyoming, and the 341st Missile Wing from Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana.

Data collected from the test will be used for ongoing force development evaluation, ensuring the operational capability of the Minuteman III and maintaining a strong, credible nuclear deterrent. The Air Force is committed to ensuring the Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent until the LG-35A Sentinel replaces it.