A missile launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California early Wednesday morning put the US military’s nuclear readiness on display. The Air Force fired an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at approximately 1 a.m., sending it more than 4,200 miles across the Pacific Ocean to 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 confirmed that the test was a routine part of its missile evaluation program, designed to assess the reliability of America’s nuclear arsenal. Officials emphasized that the launch was scheduled years in advance and was not connected to current global tensions.
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
With a top speed of over 15,000 mph, the Minuteman III is a powerful part of the US nuclear deterrent. The missile system, first deployed in the 1960s, remains a key component of America’s defense strategy, capable of reaching targets across the globe in 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
The US military provided advance notice of the test to Russia and other nations, following international protocols. This transparency measure is a standard practice to prevent misinterpretation and ensure global stability.
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
Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, stated that the test would provide critical data to assess the missile system’s effectiveness. The Air Force is preparing to transition to a new missile system, the Sentinel, which is expected to replace the Minuteman III beginning 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 US has 400 Minuteman III missiles stationed at bases in Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota. These missiles are housed in underground silos and remain a key part of the nation’s nuclear strategy as military leaders plan for future defense capabilities.
