US successfully conducts Minuteman III ICBM test launch with a test re-entry vehicle.

On April 19, 2023, at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time, a combined team of U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Navy aircrew launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) with a test re-entry vehicle from the Airborne Launch Control System at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
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An operational test launch of an U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was conducted on April 19, 2023, at 5:11 a.m. Pacific Time, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California..(Picture source U.S. Air Force)

This routine test launch aims to confirm the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the United States' nuclear deterrent to address modern threats and reassure allies. Over 300 similar tests have been conducted in the past, and this one is unrelated to current global events.

Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized the importance of strategic deterrence as the foundation of America's defense, praising Striker Airmen for their capabilities. He highlighted the test as proof of the nation's readiness to defend itself with nuclear forces when necessary.

Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron joined the U.S. Navy E-6 aircraft, showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of the ALCS system. The ICBM's reentry vehicle traveled about 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, verifying the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system and ensuring a continued secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

According to Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test Evaluation Group commander, an Airborne Launch Control System test ensures redundancy in weapon systems, interoperability with Navy counterparts, and the ability to strike a target globally when needed.

Months of preparation and collaboration between multiple government partners led to the test launch. The highly skilled Airmen involved in this crucial mission come from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana. Crew members from Air Force Global Strike Command missile bases constantly monitor the nation's ICBM alert forces.

Data collected from test launches is used by the ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the U.S. Strategic Command, to evaluate ongoing force development. The test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III, maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent as a crucial element of U.S. national security and the security of allies and partners.

Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, oversees the nation's three ICBM wings, the entire Air Force bomber force, the Long Range Strike Bomber program, Air Force Nuclear Command, Control and Communications systems, and provides operational and maintenance support to organizations within the nuclear enterprise.