Tue 16 August 2022:
The United States military reported on Tuesday that on August 16 at 12:49 a.m. Pacific Time, Vandenberg Space Force Base in California launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a test re-entry vehicle.
The military informed that the test had been postponed in order to prevent tensions with Beijing during China’s display of might earlier this month near Taiwan.
The military also decided to postpone the test in April because the country wished to reduce nuclear tensions with Moscow during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The test has been conducted to demonstrate the readiness of the United States nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.
Col. Chris Cruise, 576th Flight Test Squadron Commander, said, “Make no mistake – our nuclear triad is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and of our allies around the globe.”
He added, “This scheduled test launch is demonstrative of how our nation’s ICBM fleet illustrates our readiness and reliability of the weapon system. It is also a great platform to show the skill sets and expertise of our strategic weapons maintenance personnel and of our missile crews who maintain an unwavering vigilance to defend the homeland.”
The nuclear-capable Minuteman III is made by Boeing Co. (BA.N) and it is termed as key to the US military’s strategic arsenal.
The missile has a range of 9,660-plus kms and can travel at a speed of approximately 24,000 kph.
Maj. Armand Wong, Task Force commander, said, “Our test launches are scheduled well in advance and are not reactionary to world events. A meticulous planning process for each launch begins six-months to a year prior to launch.”
“Our best Airmen from each of the three missile wings worked in conjunction with the 576th Flight Test Squadron to proudly showcase some very technical skills that comprise the heart of our nuclear deterrence mission,” Maj. Wong added.
Military tensions have been stressed to the limit between the U.S., China, Taiwan and other nations in East Asia after Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan angered Chinese officials. More U.S. lawmakers made an unannounced visit to the island last weekend.
The People’s Liberation Army has conducted a variety of drills and launched multiple test missiles in the aftermath of the visit, which they say violated the long-standing One China Policy.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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