A team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test reentry vehicle at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time Feb. 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter twenty-first century threats and rear allies. (U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Rocio Romo)
US News and World Report: U.S. Test Launches ICBM Into Pacific as Part of Nuclear ‘Deterrence Mission’
Military officials said the test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile serves as a reminder that the U.S. can ‘deter twenty-first century threats.’
The U.S. Air Force test-launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean neighborhood of its adversaries in China and North Korea late Thursday at a time of growing international concern that brewing tensions among nuclear powers could escalate into a new arms race.
Air Force Global Strike Command described the launch of the Minuteman III missile, which was unarmed, as “routine” and designed to reassure allies. But it also seemed to acknowledge the growing bellicose language from American adversaries in recent weeks.
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U.S. Test Launches ICBM Into Pacific
Minuteman III test launch showcases readiness of U.S. nuclear force’s safe, effective deterrent — Space Force
US test launches unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile — Defense News/AP
US launches unarmed ICBM into Pacific Ocean amid China, North Korea tensions — FOX News