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United States and Russia Confront Their Nuclear Strength Through Missile Tests.
On November 5, 2024, the United States Air Force Global Strike Command, in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, successfully conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. This test confirmed the operational reliability and deterrence capability of the Minuteman III, a historic pillar of the U.S. nuclear force. Meanwhile, on November 21, 2024, Russia conducted its own test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, launching an RS-26 Rubezh, or Oreshnik, from the Astrakhan region amid escalating tensions related to the conflict in Ukraine.
The Minuteman III, introduced in the 1970s, remains one of the most reliable weapon systems in the U.S. arsenal. (Picture source: US DoD)
These two events mark important steps in the nuclear deterrence strategies of both superpowers, reflecting strategic rivalries in an increasingly polarized world.
The Minuteman III, introduced in the 1970s, remains one of the most reliable weapon systems in the U.S. arsenal. Designed to ensure strategic stability during the Cold War, it can travel up to 13,000 kilometers and carry multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). This test was supported by the use of the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS), enhancing the missile’s resilience and operational efficiency.
The November 5 test saw the missile travel 6,760 kilometers before reaching its target at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll. Data collected using advanced sensors, including radars and optical systems, plays a critical role in evaluating system performance. While acknowledging that the Minuteman III is nearing the end of its lifecycle, the Air Force is preparing to replace it with the LGM-35A Sentinel starting in 2029. This modernization program aims to ensure the U.S. maintains effective deterrence capabilities against evolving threats.
In contrast to the U.S. test, the launch of the RS-26 Rubezh by Russia occurred in an active war context. This missile, often described as a lighter version of the RS-24 Yars, is designed for high maneuverability and the ability to evade missile defense systems. The Rubezh can carry multiple warheads and has a range of approximately 5,800 kilometers, placing it between intercontinental strategic missiles and tactical weapons.
According to Russian sources, the missile was reportedly used to target an area near Dnipro in Ukraine, marking a significant shift in the use of ICBMs in combat. This demonstration aimed to signal not only Russia’s technical capabilities but also its willingness to project strategic power in response to international pressures.
The Minuteman III and the RS-26 Rubezh illustrate two distinct approaches to nuclear deterrence. On one hand, the Minuteman III represents proven reliability combined with a commitment to long-term modernization. Its primary role remains to maintain strategic stability within the framework of the U.S. nuclear triad, without destabilizing international balances.
On the other hand, the RS-26 Rubezh reflects Russia’s emphasis on operational flexibility and the ability to bypass adversary defenses. Its use in wartime, though controversial, demonstrates a more aggressive posture aligned with a strategy of pressure and intimidation.
These two tests underscore the continued importance of nuclear weapons in the defense doctrines of both powers. The United States, while focused on modernization, emphasizes regular demonstrations of reliability, like the Minuteman III test, to reassure allies and deter adversaries. Russia, in contrast, uses its tests to assert its ability to respond asymmetrically to perceived threats, even in conflict scenarios.
The emergence of advanced technologies, such as maneuverable reentry vehicles or hypersonic systems, adds another layer to this competition. Missile defense systems, though constantly improving, face growing challenges from missiles like the RS-26, designed to complicate interception efforts.
The dual tests of the Minuteman III and RS-26 Rubezh reflect not only the strategic priorities of the United States and Russia but also the stakes of a new era of strategic competition. These demonstrations serve as a reminder that, despite past disarmament efforts, nuclear weapons remain central to the defense policies of major powers. While the United States focuses on transitioning to modern systems with the Sentinel, Russia is adopting a more aggressive stance, leveraging its capabilities to send political messages in a tense geopolitical environment.