The Pentagon has announced that it will conduct a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile. It is scheduled for September 7, said Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, spokesman for the US Department of Defense.
“Tomorrow morning there will be a test launch of Minuteman III <…>. This is a routine test that was planned in advance, ”he told reporters ( TASS quote ).
Ryder added that in accordance with the obligations under the START-3 treaty, the US authorities “notified the Russian government in advance” about the upcoming tests.
The last test launch of the Minuteman III took place on 16 August. The rocket was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, to “demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces, confidence in the damaging effect and the effectiveness of the national nuclear deterrence.” The US Air Force said in a statement that such tests had occurred more than 300 times before.
Minuteman III is an American intercontinental ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. It has been in service with the US Air Force since 1970. The Americans regularly test its upgraded versions.
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