Image source: topwar.ru
The United States has finally conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, previously postponed due to Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. As stated in the global strike command, the missile test has nothing to do with the events taking place in the world.
According to the US Air Force, the ICBM test launch was traditionally carried out from a mine installation at Vandenberg Air Force Base, located 130 miles northwest of Los Angeles. It is worth noting that the base now belongs to the US space forces. The missile was launched without a charge, but with a test warhead. As stated, the purpose of the tests was to demonstrate the "readiness of the nuclear forces" of the United States.
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Minuteman III is the only land-based intercontinental ballistic missile currently in service with the United States since 1970. The three-stage rocket was developed specifically for confrontation with the Soviet Union. The Minuteman III ICBM is capable of hitting a target at a range of 12 thousand kilometers with three warheads. According to reports, the United States is armed with about 450 ICBMs, the service life of which expires in 2030.
Now the Americans are creating a new ICBM, which should replace the Minuteman III. The work is being carried out by Northrop Grumman, which last year successfully defended the project of a new promising strategic ballistic missile GBSD. Details of the development of the new ICBM are not disclosed. Under the terms of the contract, the rocket must use the Mk.12A and Mk.21 from the Minuteman-III ICBM, and also have the ability to be placed both in mines and on mobile platforms.
