The US military successfully launched an unarmed Minuteman III missile early Wednesday morning from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, sending it thousands of miles across the Pacific in a demonstration of nuclear readiness.
The 🇺🇸 conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
The launch was made on February 19 from a mine installation at the Vandenberg base in California. The rocket was directed towards the test site at Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. pic.twitter.com/UfJDVubHWe— Real Libyan (@real__libyan) February 19, 2025
The missile, launched at around 1 a.m., traveled over 4,200 miles before reaching a designated test site in the Marshall Islands. The Air Force stated that the test was conducted to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the US nuclear deterrent, reinforcing national security commitments.
The United States conducted a successful test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on February 19th. pic.twitter.com/GcZz0xN3dM
— The Global Observer (@GlobalObserverX) February 20, 2025
Video of the launch showed the missile streaking through the night sky, reaching speeds of more than 15,000 mph before disappearing into the distance. The Minuteman III has been a key element of the US defense system for decades, capable of carrying multiple nuclear warheads to independent targets.
🚨🇺🇸 : #BreakingNews
TheUnited States conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.The launch took place on February 19 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The rocket was aimed at a test site near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific… pic.twitter.com/gf6XcAaiwX
— OSINT Expert (@OsintExperts) February 20, 2025
Officials confirmed that the launch was not a response to any global events but was scheduled years in advance. The US military provided pre-launch notification to Russia and other nations as required by international agreements.
I see that the @usairforce had a successful intercontinental ballistic missile launch in California. 🚀
15k mph is extremely fast. 🫡
— the Hardway 2.0 (@ColeH64469) February 19, 2025
Col. Dustin Harmon, who oversees missile testing, said data collected from the flight would be used to analyze system performance. The Air Force is preparing to phase out the Minuteman III and introduce the Sentinel missile, expected to begin deployment in 2029.
❗️🚀🇺🇸 – U.S. Successfully Tests Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile with a 13,000 Kilometer Range
According to a statement from Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB) in California and the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), the AFGSC conducted a test launch… pic.twitter.com/LIajtaG88z
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformant_x) February 19, 2025
The US nuclear arsenal currently includes 400 Minuteman III missiles stationed across three states. These weapons remain a critical component of national security, ensuring the US maintains a strong deterrent against potential threats.
