The United States successfully conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile early Tuesday from California, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to nuclear readiness as it moves toward adopting a new generation of ICBMs.

Figure 1. Launches Minuteman III Missile.

The launch, which took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base, was part of a scheduled test to validate the reliability and operational capability of America’s aging nuclear arsenal. The missile, fitted with an unarmed Mark-21 re-entry vehicle, travelled roughly 4,200 miles across the Pacific Ocean before reaching its target at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Défense Test Site on the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

“This test underscores the strength and readiness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent, particularly the ICBM component of our triad,” said Gen. Thomas Bussiere, head of Air Force Global Strike Command. “It reflects the commitment and expertise of the Airmen who manage this critical mission—missileers, defenders, helicopter crews, and their support teams. “Figure 1 shows Launches Minuteman III Missile.

Part of Routine Strategic Assessments

The Minuteman III is a key element of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also comprises nuclear-capable bombers and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Together, they form the foundation of the country’s strategic deterrence strategy. As of 2023, the United States maintained 3,748 nuclear warheads, according to the National Nuclear Security Administration.

Officials emphasized that this test was not prompted by any particular global event but was part of a longstanding series of routine exercises. More than 300 such tests have been conducted to date, reinforcing the ongoing effort to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear force.

The operation was overseen by the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, based at Vandenberg, which serves as the Air Force’s central testing hub for ICBM operations.

“Minuteman III remains the cornerstone of America’s strategic deterrent,” said Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the Louisiana-based group. “The missile’s continued reliability reflects the dedication of the Airmen who sustain its combat readiness.”

Pacific Range, Global Signal

The test also involved coordination among various military and governmental units, including contributions from missile wings stationed in Wyoming and Montana [1]. Personnel from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren Air Force Base and the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base played key roles in preparing and maintaining the missile system.

Advanced tracking and telemetry data were collected from the Reagan Test Site, a vital Pacific-based facility equipped with cutting-edge sensors, radar, and optical systems. The site provides crucial performance data for both offensive and defensive missile testing.

“Reagan Test Site remains an irreplaceable national asset,” said Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt, the site’s range director, emphasizing its global importance in strategic missile evaluation.

This test comes as the United States progresses toward retiring the Minuteman III system in favor of the LGM-35A Sentinel, a new-generation intercontinental ballistic missile designed to modernize the U.S. nuclear force in the years ahead.

Reference:

1. https://interestingengineering.com/military/minuteman-iii-aces-pacific-test-flight

Cite this article:

Keerthana S (2025), U.S. Launches Minuteman III Missile Over 4,200 Miles Across Pacific in Show of Nuclear Capability, AnaTechMaz, pp.385