The U.S. Air Force conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base early Wednesday, marking a routine yet strategically significant demonstration of nuclear readiness. The missile traveled approximately 4,200 miles before landing at the Reagan Test Site in the Marshall Islands, according to military officials.
Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, emphasized the test's role in ensuring the ICBM system's reliability, calling it a 'critical mission' for national security. The U.S. maintains around 400 deployed Minuteman III missiles across northern states, a cornerstone of its nuclear deterrent strategy.
Russia was notified of the launch in advance, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed, while reiterating Moscow's commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). The announcement came hours before Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of 'proportionate responsive measures' if other nations resume nuclear testing. 'Russia will continue fulfilling its CTBT obligations until others deviate from them,' Putin stated during a Security Council meeting.
The remarks coincided with Putin's recognition of developers behind Russia's Burevestnik cruise missile and Poseidon underwater drone, which he described as vital to maintaining strategic balance. Meanwhile, U.S. nuclear policy remains under scrutiny following former President Donald Trump's 2020 push to resume testing, citing unverified claims of foreign activity.
Analysts suggest these developments underscore growing global tensions as major powers modernize arsenals while navigating fragile arms control frameworks. The test follows heightened scrutiny of Asia-Pacific security dynamics, where nuclear capabilities increasingly shape geopolitical calculations.
