US Holds Test Launch Of Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Minuteman III

Launch of the US III Minuteman Ballistic Missile February 19, 2025. (Source: US Space Force/Airman 1st Class Olga Houtsma)

JAKARTA - A joint team from Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Vandenberg Space Force Base Guardians launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) without a warhead on February 19 at 1:00 am Pacific Time from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the main testing ground for the ICBM prevention architecture belonging to the Air Force Global Attack Command.

It said the test launch was part of routine and periodic activities designed to show the United States' nuclear deterrence remains safe, secure, reliable and effective in preventing the threat of the 21st century and convincing our allies.

"Today's Minuteman III test launch is just one way for the Air Force to show the readiness, accuracy, and professionalism of US nuclear forces," said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth, quoted from the Vandenberg Space Force Base Site on February 19.

"This also provides confidence in the lethal power and effectiveness of the country's nuclear prevention mission," he added.

With more than 300 similar tests carried out in the past, this particular test is part of the country's ongoing commitment to maintaining credible prevention, not a response to current world events.

"Facilitating the test launch of the Western Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base is an important component of our mission and national defense strategy," said US Space Force Colonel totaling Hatcher, deputy commander of Space Launch Delta 30, the host unit that oversees all Spaceport and Western Range operations at Vandenberg SFB.

"Our caretakers and flighters are dedicated to enabling the testing of Minuteman III to ensure credible and effective prevention for the country," he added.

The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, located in Vandenberg SFB, oversees the test launch.

"During this test, we collected and analyzed the performance and other important data points to evaluate the current missile system competence," said Colonel Dustin Harmon, TEG's 377th commander.

"This allows our team to analyze and report the accuracy and reliability of the current system while validating the upgrade of the projected missile system. The data we collect and analysis are essential to maintain Minuteman III while we pave the way for Sentinels."

The ICBM community, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command, used data collected from test launches for a sustainable power development evaluation.

It said the ICBM launch test program demonstrated Minuteman III's operational capabilities and ensured the United States' ability to maintain strong and credible nuclear deterrence as key elements of US national security and allied security as well as US partners.