The Americans successfully launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Her May tests, we recall, ended unsuccessfully.
The Pentagon announced the ICBM tests on August 11. The launch was carried out from the territory of the California base Vandenberg. The head part fell in the Pacific Ocean, having overcome 6,75 thousand kilometers.
The purpose of the tests is to monitor the readiness of the complex. In addition, it became a demonstration to the US allies of the" security, reliability and effectiveness " of American nuclear deterrent means.
Airmen from the 576th Test Squadron worked with our mission partners at @SLDelta30 to conduct an operational #MinutemanIII test launch. These tests provide readiness data and assure our nation’s allies that our nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and effective. #SafeSecureReady pic.twitter.com/Bjsnq8qiPl- Department of Defense ?? (@DeptofDefense) August 11, 2021
The tests are also important because the recent May tests of the Minuteman III [...] failed. Technical problems led to the fact that the rocket could not launch.
The Minuteman III was adopted in 1970. Since then, the complex has been repeatedly modernized. Now it is the only mine-based ICBM in service with the United States.
It will be replaced by a new rocket, which is being created under the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent program, or GBSD. It is assumed that the first launch of the product will take place in 2023. Initial combat readiness is scheduled for the end of the decade, and full combat readiness is scheduled for 2036. By that time, 400 missiles of a new type should be created.
