A Minuteman III weapon equipped with a mock warhead launched late Thursday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base as the latest test for the the nation’s intercontinental ballistic missile fleet.
The three-stage weapon blasted out of the its underground silo on North Base at 11:01 p.m., the opening of a six -hour launch window.
Upon launch, the military tracked the mock warhead as it traveled 4,200 miles to a predetermined target in the Kwajalein Atoll. southwest of the Central Coast.
“A test launch displays the heart of our deterrence mission on the world’s stage, assuring our nation and its allies that our weapons are capable and our Airmen are ready and willing to defend peace across the globe at a moment’s notice,” said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, leader of Air Force Global Strike Command. He assumed command of the organization in December.
The intercontinental ballistic missile topped with a mock warhead collected assorted data about the weapon’s flight.
“These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent,” Air Force Global Strike Command officials said in a written statement.
AFGSC oversees some 400 Minuteman missiles sitting underground around Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
A task from of missile crew operators and maintainers traveled from Minot traveled to Vandenberg to handle chores related to the test launch.
Members of a unit based at Vandenberg’s installed the test-unique equipment on the weapon.
“This launch showcases the redundancy and reliability of our strategic deterrence systems while sending a visible message of assurance to allies,” said Col. Christopher Cruise, 377th Test Evaluation Group commander.
The military has conducted similar tests more than 300 times. The tests take place after being scheduled years ahead of time and following months of work, according to AFGSC representatives.
After 50 years, the Minuteman system’s end is nearing as the military works to develop a next-generation ICBM.
The Sentinel will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029. However, full capability isn’t expected until the mid-2030s so the military plans to ensure Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent, Air Force officials said.
Vandenberg’s flight manifest includes a Falcon 9 rocket launch next week.
The Space Exploration Technologies rocket will carry more Starlink satellites into orbit with liftoff from Space Launch Complex-4 on South base planned between 8:30 a.m. and 1:55 p.m. Wednesday.