An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, at Vandenberg Space Force Base. ICBM test launches demonstrate that the U.S. ICBM fleet is ready, reliable and effective in leveraging dominance in an era of strategic competition.
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, at Vandenberg Space Force Base. ICBM test launches demonstrate that the U.S. ICBM fleet is ready, reliable and effective in leveraging dominance in an era of strategic competition. Credit: U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Kadielle Shaw

An unarmed Minuteman III test launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base early Wednesday morning, the second of the year for the intercontinental ballistic program. 

The three-stage missile blasted out of its underground silo on North Base at 12:01 a.m. to show off the accuracy and reliability of the weapon. 

After the launch, the military tracked the weapon’s lone Mark-21 high fidelity re-entry vehicle as it traveled to a predetermined target 4,200 miles away.

“This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who supports them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.”

Vandenberg’s 377th Test and Evaluation Group oversaw the launch including members installing test-unique equipment.

“Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nation’s strategic deterrent and the unwavering dedication of the Airmen who ensure its readiness are a testament to its inherent lethality,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. “Their expertise and commitment are vital to maintaining this credible force for peace.  

“As we look to the future, these same Airmen are paving the way for the Sentinel ICBM, ensuring a seamless transition to this next-generation capability and the continued security of our nation,” Harmon added.

An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County.
An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County. Credit: U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jack Rodriguez Escamilla

The military conducts test launches of the Minuteman III weapon several times a year as a demonstration “that the United States’ nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies.”

More than 300 similar tests have occurred, with the prior one occurring in February. The test launches are scheduled months ahead of time and are not a response to current world events.

Approximately 400 Minuteman III missiles remain on alert, but the Air Force continues to develop the next generation ICBM to replace the aging weapon system. 

In March, the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. completed a full-scale qualification static fire test of the Sentinel missile’s stage-one solid rocket motor in Utah.

Vandenberg has seen more than 20 liftoffs of rockets and missiles since Jan. 1.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.