LOC02:40
23:40 GMT
WASHINGTON, Oct 29 (KUNA) -- The US Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile during an operational test at Vandenberg Air Force Base, in the western state of California, at 12:27 am., Pacific Time, on Thursday.
The ICBM test launches demonstrate the US nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to defend the United States and its allies, the AFGSC said in a statement.
ICBMs provide the US and its allies the necessary deterrent capability to maintain freedom to operate and navigate globally in accordance with international laws and norms.
A team of Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center experts supported the recent launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile to verify its accuracy and reliability, providing valuable data to ensure this safe, secure, effective nuclear deterrent is ready every day to defend the United States and its allies.
The Minuteman III missile's reentry vehicle contained test instruments and traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
"These operational test launches serve multiple purposes," said Col. Erik Quigley, Minuteman III Systems director.
"First, they are a demonstration of our nuclear launch capability to all potential adversaries.
"Second, they provide assurance of continued launch capability to any allies that rely on our nuclear forces to support their security.
"And third, they help validate our models of the Minuteman III fleet to ensure the ICBMs continue to meet stringent nuclear launch requirements," Col. Quigley added.
The Minuteman III flight tests are conducted under AFGSC's Nuclear Weapon System Evaluation Program, as part of the Air Force's ongoing effort to test weapon systems in training missions and prepare aircrews for future mission requirements. (end)
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