United States Launches Minuteman III Nuclear Missile

The United States conducted a launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

According to the base’s official website, the launch took place on November 5 as part of the GT 254 training exercises.

The purpose of the test was to assess the reliability, combat readiness, and accuracy of the missile system.

The launch was performed by a team of airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron, who, using the Airborne Launch Control System (ALCS) aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, initiated the launch to verify the effectiveness and readiness of the backup command and control system.

The missile traveled over 6,700 kilometers and reached the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site of the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, located on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.

The statement notes that the development of the new LGM-35A Sentinel missile and the maintenance of the combat readiness of the existing Minuteman III systems remain key priorities for the United States.

Recently, spotters observed a B-52 bomber flying over California equipped with a cruise missile that externally resembles the next-generation AGM-181A Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile.

The AGM-181A is intended to replace the outdated ALCM (B-version) nuclear cruise missiles.

Raytheon is the developer of the program, but the key technical characteristics of the missile remain classified – the official illustrations released are deliberately generalized.

Integration of the LRSO is planned for the strategic B-52 bombers and the future B-21 Raider.

The updated W80-4 is planned as the warhead; its readiness directly depends on the pace of the missile’s development.

Amid preparations for a production decision in fiscal 2027, the program’s testing activity has increased – the appearance of a B-52 with a conspicuous missile is one indicator of that activity.