Washington: The United States has conducted a test launch of its nuclear-capable Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), often referred to as a “doomsday missile,” amid heightened tensions in the Middle East linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The missile was launched late Tuesday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and travelled thousands of kilometres across the Pacific Ocean before hitting a designated target near the Marshall Islands, according to the US Space Force.
US officials said the launch was part of a routine test to verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the country’s strategic missile systems.
“GT 255 allowed us to assess the performance of individual components of the missile system,” said Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, 576th Flight Test Squadron commander, as quoted by India Today. “By continually assessing varying mission profiles, we are able to enhance the performance of the entire ICBM fleet, ensuring the maximum level of readiness for the land-based leg of the nation’s nuclear triad,” he added.
The Minuteman III is the United States’ only operational land-based intercontinental ballistic missile, forming the ground component of America’s nuclear triad, which also includes submarine-launched missiles and nuclear-capable bombers.
Meanwhile, the war entered its sixth day on Thursday with Iran launching a wave of missiles toward Israel. It sent millions scrambling into bomb shelters and air raid sirens echoing across major cities. The barrage came just hours after efforts in the US to rein in Washington’s air campaign against Iran were blocked in the Senate.
