An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California early Wednesday, as part of a routine Air Force test designed to assess the nation’s nuclear capabilities. The Minuteman III missile was fired at approximately 1 a.m. and traveled over 4,200 miles before reaching its target in the Marshall Islands.
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 Air Force stated that the test was conducted to ensure the readiness of the US nuclear arsenal and confirm that the missile system remains effective. Military officials emphasized that this was a scheduled test and not connected to any international conflicts or emerging threats.
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
The Minuteman III, a Cold War-era missile designed to deliver nuclear warheads, remains an integral part of US strategic defense. While the missile tested Wednesday was unarmed, the system is capable of launching nuclear payloads to multiple targets in under 30 minutes.
🚨🇺🇸 : #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
Under international protocols, the US military notified Russia and other nations ahead of the launch to maintain transparency and avoid misunderstandings. The Air Force has conducted over 300 similar tests in the past, using them to refine missile performance and reliability.
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
According to Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the test results will be used to assess the missile system’s accuracy. The military is currently preparing to transition to the next-generation Sentinel missile system, set 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 Minuteman III is currently deployed at bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, with 400 active missiles in service. While the US continues to modernize its nuclear forces, tests like Wednesday’s launch are critical to maintaining deterrence and ensuring the nation’s defense capabilities remain unmatched.
