- Minuteman missiles have formed the core of the U.S. land-based nuclear capability for 60 years.
- The Air Force generally tests four Minuteman III rockets per year.
- Canceling or postponing a test because of concerns the launch could be provocative is very rare.
The purpose of the test, according to the US military, was to “confirm and verify” the efficiency and security of the nuclear weapon system. The missile in question was an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
The test was carried out from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California, on Tuesday at 12:49 a.m. PT.
Col. Bryan Titus, vice commander of Space Launch Delta 30, said that these test launches “show the preparedness of U.S. nuclear forces and instil confidence in the lethality and efficacy of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”
According to the military, the launch aids in “validating and verifying the safety, security, efficacy, and readiness of the missile system.”
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For 60 years, Minuteman missiles have served as the backbone of the United States’ land-based nuclear arsenal. The test on Tuesday was postponed earlier this month in order to reduce tensions with China over Taiwan. Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the U.S. House, visited the island that Beijing claims on August 2, prompting China to conduct a number of military drills in retaliation.
In April, a test launch was also postponed because to worries that Vladimir Putin would see it as escalatory given the nation’s invasion on Ukraine.
Todd Breasseale, the deputy press secretary for the Pentagon, reported at the time that “the Department of the Air Force recently cancelled the routinely planned test flight of an LGM-30G Minuteman III missile.” Due to an excess of caution to prevent misinterpretation or confusion amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the launch had previously been delayed.
Four Minuteman III rockets are typically tested by the Air Force annually, with the tests being planned out months or even years in advance. It is quite uncommon to postpone or cancel a test due to worries that the launch would be controversial.
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