USAF and USSF Successfully Test Minuteman III ICBM

Vandenberg Space Force Base, California – In the early hours of June 4, at precisely 12:56 a.m. Pacific Time, a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Space Force Guardians successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The missile, equipped with a single re-entry vehicle, was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base as part of routine testing to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the United States' nuclear deterrent.

Watch Launch: https://youtu.be/Ogh39LgVAxQ

This test is part of ongoing efforts to demonstrate that the nation’s nuclear capabilities are safe, secure, and ready to respond to 21st-century threats. Highlighting the routine nature of this event, officials emphasized that it is not a response to current global events. Historically, such tests have been conducted over 300 times.

“Our Strikers and our nuclear mission are the bedrock of our nation’s defense and international security...As part of that mission, our ICBM force provides 24/7 strategic deterrence and stands ready to respond at a moment’s notice as the most responsive leg of the nuclear triad. Our test launches demonstrate and confirm our readiness to deliver a safe, secure, effective, and credible global combat capability.” - Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. “

The reentry vehicle of the Minuteman III traveled approximately 4,200 miles, reaching the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The site is equipped with advanced sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, optical sensors, and telemetry systems, which play a crucial role in evaluating system performance during these tests.

"RTS brings a range of sensors with decades of experience in collecting and analyzing truth data to support range customers," - Col. Juan R. Santiago, RTS director.

“The U.S. nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners across the globe. Today’s test launch is just one example of how our nation’s ICBMs, and the professional Airmen who maintain and operate them, demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It showcases our commitment to deterrence as we stand on continuous alert, 24/7/365.” - Col. Chris Cruise, Commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group

The launch followed months of meticulous preparation, involving numerous government partners. Airmen from all three missile wings were selected to support the task force for the test, with maintenance support provided by the 90th Missile Wing from FE Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. The missile bases within Air Force Global Strike Command have crew members on alert 24 hours a day, year-round, ensuring the readiness of the nation’s ICBM forces.

Data collected from these launches are crucial for ongoing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program validates the operational capabilities of the Minuteman III and ensures the U.S. can maintain a strong and credible nuclear deterrent.

Air Force Global Strike Command, headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, oversees the nation's three ICBM wings and the entire bomber force, including the B-52, B-1, and B-2 wings. The command, which marks its 15th anniversary in 2024, is composed of approximately 33,700 professionals assigned to various units across the U.S. and globally deployed locations.

Looking ahead, the LG-35A Sentinel is slated to replace the Minuteman III ICBM, with initial capability expected by 2029. Until the mid-2030s, when full capability is achieved, the Air Force remains committed to ensuring the Minuteman III remains a viable component of the nation’s nuclear deterrent strategy.