US launches nuclear-capable missile in arms race with Russia and China

The United States has conducted its second intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test of the year, launching an unarmed but nuclear-capable missile from California toward the Pacific.

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“This
test launch
“is part of routine and periodic actions aimed at showing that the United States’ nuclear deterrence continues to be safe, secure, reliable, and effective against 21st-century threats, as well as providing reassurance to our allies,” stated the statement.
U.S. Air Force
Global Strike Command.

Has reached out to both the Russian and Chinese defense ministries for their comments.

Why It Matters

As per the Federation of American Scientists, the U.S. operates 400 Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), each equipped with one warhead, situated underground in launch facilities across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming. This missile system reportedly has a reach exceeding 6,000 miles.

The
ICBM
The fleet is among the three elements of America’s nuclear triad, along with ballistic missile submarines and nuclear-equipped bombers. According to data from the National Nuclear Security Administration, as of 2023, the U.S. has 3,748 nuclear warheads.

The test launch of the Minuteman III missile follows
Russia
‘s
reported cancellation
Of an RS-24 Yars ICBM “training exercise” launch.
China
carried out an uncommon ICBM test back in September.
launching a DF-31AG missile
toward the
Pacific Ocean
.

What To Know

The Minuteman III missile was fired from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command.

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The missile featured an inert Mark-21 re-entry vehicle designed to travel approximately 4,200 miles to reach the U.S. Army’s ballistic missile defense testing facility at Kwajalein Atoll within the Marshall Islands, situated in the central part of the Pacific Ocean.

The examination did not stem from recent global occurrences, according to the statement made by the organization headquartered in Louisiana, they also mentioned that the
U.S. military
has conducted more than 300 similar tests in the past as part of the country’s “ongoing commitment” to maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.

The instruction was also verified by
that, in accordance with standard procedures, Washington notified Moscow of the test in advance “per our existing bilateral obligations,” and transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct (HCoC).

In the year 2000, both the United States and Russia entered into an agreement designed to decrease the likelihood of tensions escalating due to a mistaken alert about a ballistic missile strike. Countries that are part of the HCoC must adhere to these requirements.
voluntarily provide notifications
Regarding ballistic missile and space-related launch activities.

Both the United States and Russia count themselves as part of the 145 nations that have signed up for the HCoC. Although China informed the U.S. about an upcoming ICBM test beforehand, it still hesitates to become a member of the HCoC—a move it worries might result in certain constraints.
disclosure of sensitive information
.

What People Are Saying

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command stated:

The test launch program for Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles showcases the functional capabilities of the Minuteman III system and reinforces the United States’ capacity to sustain a robust and reliable nuclear deterrence, which is an essential component of both American national security and the safety of allied nations and partners.

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General Thomas Bussiere, commander of the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command, said:

The successful ICBM test demonstrates the potency of our country’s nuclear deterrence capabilities as well as the preparedness of the ICBM component within the strategic triad. This robust protective measure is upheld by committed servicemen and women—missile operators, defense personnel, helicopter crews, along with their support staff—who guarantee national and allied security.

What Happens Next

It is unclear if Russia and China will carry out ICBM tests this year. The U.S. has plans to
modernize its ICBM fleet
By substituting the Minuteman III with the Sentinel.

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