US tests Minuteman III ICBM amid continuing nuclear tensions with Russia

By emmitt barryWorthy News Washington DC Bureau Chief

(WORTH NEWS) – The U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in Southern California early Wednesday in what it said was a long-planned test designed to verify the readiness of America’s land-based nuclear deterrent.

Officials stressed that the launch into the Pacific Ocean was scheduled in advance and was not a response to current world events.

“Our ability to conduct these rigorous, realistic tests is fundamental to our national security,” said Gen. SL Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. He said the launch confirmed the readiness of the ICBM force, from operators to weapon systems.

Engineers monitored the missile’s propulsion, guidance and re-entry systems under extreme physical stress. Lt. Col. Carey Ray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said the test helped confirm that the re-entry vehicle could be delivered “with pinpoint accuracy.”

Minuteman III, first deployed in 1970, remains the backbone of the land-based leg of America’s nuclear triad. About 400 missiles are on alert in Montana, Wyoming and North Dakota as the Air Force prepares to replace the aging system with the LGM-35A Sentinel.

The US launch comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the test of Russia’s RS-28 Sarmat missile, known in the West as the “Satan II”, calling it “the most powerful missile in the world”. Moscow says the Sarmat is designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads and eventually replace the older Soviet-era Voyevoda missiles.

The timing highlights a delicate and increasingly dangerous moment between Washington and Moscow. The last major US-Russia nuclear arms control agreement, New START, is due to expire in 2026, while Russia suspended participation in the pact in 2023 after deepening its confrontation with the West following the war in Ukraine. Reuters reported in 2024 that Moscow did not plan to sign a replacement agreement, leaving the world’s two largest nuclear powers without a clear arms-control framework if no new agreement was reached.

At present, both the countries are emphasizing on nuclear modernization. The United States says its testing is to ensure that deterrence remains safe, reliable and effective. Meanwhile, Russia is testing new weapons to show its strength at a time when its relations with NATO and Washington are badly strained.

lift it up in prayer

19

People are praying right now.

latest lol news