The United States Air Force has conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, assessing the reliability and readiness of America’s nuclear deterrent.
According to U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, the launch, designated GT 254, was designed to validate the missile system’s accuracy and operational performance as the service transitions to the next generation LGM-35A Sentinel. The command said the exercise formed part of a long-running series of routine tests used to ensure that the intercontinental ballistic missile force remains fully capable.
Lt Col Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said the trial was “a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system’s ability to perform its critical mission.”
The launch sequence was initiated remotely from a US Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft using the Airborne Launch Control System, which serves as a backup command and control method for the missile force.
The unarmed re-entry vehicle travelled about 4,200 miles to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, where telemetry and optical sensors recorded performance data.
Col Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, said the trial “validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system,” noting that the data gathered would inform future intercontinental ballistic missile development and sustainment.
Air Force Global Strike Command confirmed that personnel from all three of its missile wings took part in the exercise, supported by maintainers from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming. The command said the event demonstrated the continuing integrity of the Minuteman III fleet as modernisation gathers pace.
Gen S. L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, added: “As we modernise to the Sentinel weapon system, we must continue to maintain the readiness of the existing Minuteman III fleet. GT 254 helps fulfil that commitment, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability.”
