USAF Tests Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The US Air Force (USAF) says the nation's nuclear arsenal is effective and ready following the successful test launch of a missile early Wednesday morning, Jake Thomas reported for the United Press International (UPI).

Photo Insert: An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operational test

The unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday, according to the USAF. Overseen by the Air Force Global Strike Command, the purpose of the test was to check the weapon system's security and effectiveness.

"These test launches verify the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent," said Col. Robert Long, Space Launch Delta 30 commander who was in charge of the launch.

The test involved launching a Hi Fidelity Joint Test Assembly re-entry vehicle that detonated non-nuclear explosives before it hit the Pacific Ocean near Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

Col. Aaron Boudreau, Task Force commander, said the test was planned and not in response to world events.

Although USAF continues to test Minuteman 3 missiles, the Defense Department last year awarded a $13.3 billion contract to Northrop Grumman to develop the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent, a next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile system.

In April, the company was awarded a separate $2.3 billion contract for the propulsion system maintenance of the Minuteman 3 missile system that runs through 2040.

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