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US tests launch of Minuteman III intercontinental missile

US tests launch of Minuteman III intercontinental missile

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, according to the US Air Force Global Strike Command website.

The launch took place on August 16 at 00:49 Pacific time. The goal is to demonstrate “the readiness of US nuclear forces” and “the effectiveness of national nuclear deterrence.” The launch was planned: “This test is not the result of current world events,” the report says.


The head unit of the rocket traveled about 4.2 thousand miles (more than 6.7 thousand km) to the Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean.