US Air Force Successfully Tests Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

The US Air Force conducted a launch test of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). 341st Missile Wing Task Force Commander Daniel Hays the launch "a visible reminder to both our adversaries and our allies of the readiness and capability of the Minuteman III weapon system."

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The US Air Force conducted a launch test of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a base in California, the US Air Force Global Strike Command said in a statement on Friday.

"These launches are a visible reminder to both our adversaries and our allies of the readiness and capability of the Minuteman III weapon system,” 341st Missile Wing Task Force Commander Daniel Hays stated.

U.S. conducts second test firing of unarmed Minuteman III ICBM in a week. #missile #defense pic.twitter.com/tkEMK9WlVl

— Forecast Guy (@LDickersonFI) March 27, 2015

Launched from the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, the ICBM hit the target located in a test area near the island of Guam in the Pacific in about 40 minutes, according to the US Air Force.

“The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational credibility of the Minuteman III, and ensures the United States' ability to maintain a strong, credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of US national security and the security of US allies and partners,” the US Air Force said.

The United States has 450 nuclear Minuteman III missiles located at four bases. Earlier this week the US Air Force conducted another un-armed Minuteman III test launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base.