The US Air Force will launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in Southern California next week to test and flex the military’s readiness to use nuclear force.
The unarmed Minuteman III will be fired from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles, sometime between 11 p.m. Tuesday and 5 a.m. Wednesday, Air Force Global Strike Command announced.
“The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” the command said.
The launch is routine and planned years in advance, the command said, saying it is to “validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.”
The Minuteman weapon system — a critical component of the US strategic defense system — was developed in the 1950s and first deployed in the 1960s, according to the USAF website.
The surface-based Minuteman III have a range of 6,000 miles and reach speeds of 15,000 mph.
They are kept in silos to protect from an enemy attack. The silos are connected to an underground launch control center monitored around the clock by launch crews consisting of two officers.
There are 400 Minuteman Missiles located at Space Force Bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, according to the USAF.
“In accordance with standard procedures, the United States will transmit a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notify the Russian government in advance, per our existing bi-lateral obligations,” Global Strike Command said.
