US Launches Nuclear-Capable Minuteman Missile as Russia Begins Strategic Drills

The United States carried out a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on May 20, one day after Russia began large-scale nuclear exercises involving strategic missile forces, submarines, and aviation.

According to the US Air Force Global Strike Command, the missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time as part of a scheduled operational test designated GT-256. The missile traveled approximately 6,800 kilometers during the flight test. The Minuteman III has a maximum range of around 13,000 kilometers.

US officials stated that the launch was planned years in advance and was “not in response to world events.” The test was intended to evaluate both the missile system itself and the personnel responsible for maintaining and operating the US nuclear deterrence infrastructure.

“Our ability to conduct these rigorous, realistic tests is foundational to our national security,” said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “This launch verifies the health and readiness of our ICBM force, confirming the capability of every component of the ICBM enterprise, from our operators to the weapon system itself, to execute the mission.”

According to the US Air Force, engineers monitored the missile’s trajectory to assess the propulsion system, guidance package, and reentry vehicle performance under operational stress conditions.

Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said the test helped validate the full operational profile of the Minuteman III system. “It confirms the precision of the system, ensuring the reentry vehicle can be delivered to its target with pinpoint accuracy.”

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The US Air Force said the test also provided operational data for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command as part of ongoing sustainment and modernization planning.

The launch comes as the United States continues preparations to replace the aging Minuteman III fleet with the next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system. According to the Air Force, operational testing will continue until the new platform is fully deployed.

The test took place shortly after Russia began a three-day exercise simulating nuclear force operations “under conditions of aggression threat,” according to the Russian Defense Ministry. Russian officials said the drills involve more than 64,000 personnel and over 7,000 pieces of military equipment, including strategic submarines, missile systems, and long-range aviation assets.

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