A Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile sporting mock warheads blasted off early Wednesday morning at Vandenberg Space Force Base for the weapon system’s third test launch of 2023.
The three-stage weapon popped out of its underground silo on the northern section of the sprawling base at 1:26 a.m., more than 90 minutes into the six-hour launch window.
The ICBM’s reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, with the military tracking the flight to collect data about the accuracy and reliability of the weapon system.
“Test launches validate our deterrence capabilities to the American public and to our allies,” said Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, leader of Air Force Global Strike Command. “The missile community is comprised of our country’s finest Airmen, and I have no doubt in their ability to support our most important mission across the Department of Defense.”
This marked the third Minuteman test launch of the year from Vandenberg with the others occurring in February and April.
“This test launch sends a visible message of deterrence on behalf of our joint forces and global partners, and I couldn’t be prouder of the professionalism of the Airmen and Guardians who comprise this mission,” said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander.
Tests take place after months of preparation involving multiple government partners and are not in reaction to real-world tensions, according to Air Force officials, noting 300 similar test launches have occurred over the years.
Some 400 Minuteman missiles continue to sit on alert near Malmstrom AFB, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota, and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.
A task force made up of Airmen from the bases supported the test launch with the Wyoming base provide maintenance support for the missions known as Glory Trips.
Additionally, a team from Vandenberg installed test-unique equipment to collect needed data during the flight and allow the weapon to be destroyed if it veered off course.
While regularly testing Minuteman weapons, the Department of Defense also is working to develop the next-generation ICBM.
The Sentinel weapon will replace the Minuteman III ICBM with an initial capability of 2029.
Wednesday morning’s mission added to an already busy manifest at Vandenberg where 22 launches involving satellite-carrying rockets and missile flight tests have occurred this year.