Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Test Conducted by US on Election Night

November 10, 2024 TruthUSA

The Space Force informed that the test is a regular part of the United States’ nuclear deterrent operations.

On the night of the election, the U.S. military conducted a launch test of an unarmed but nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile.

At 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time on Nov. 5, the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), equipped with multiple targetable re-entry vehicles, was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California to the U.S. military’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands, southeast of Japan.

The U.S. Space Force stated in a communication that the launch was a regular test conducted three times a year to demonstrate the safety, security, reliability, and effectiveness of the United States’ nuclear deterrent against modern threats and to reassure allies.

The previous Minuteman III ICBM test launch took place on June 6.

Colonel Dorian Hatcher, Deputy Commander of Space Launch Delta 30, stated, “The recent Minuteman III test launch showcased the readiness, agility, and professionalism of the personnel at Vandenberg, Global Strike Command, and the U.S. Navy.”

“Each test of this deterrent system at Vandenberg highlights the nation’s strong capabilities and underscores the crucial support provided by our Airmen and Guardians to ensure national security,” he added.

The Space Force clarified that there have been over 300 similar tests before, with the most recent one not being influenced by current events.

This test came shortly after North Korea’s ICBM launch on Oct. 31, where the missile set a record altitude and had the longest flight duration of 87 minutes ever observed in a ballistic missile test conducted by the totalitarian regime.

Additionally, on Sept. 25, Beijing fired an ICBM into the South Pacific, marking the first CCP missile test in 44 years since 1980, raising concerns among Pacific leaders.

General Thomas A. Bussiere, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, emphasized that these tests illustrate the U.S.’ preparedness to protect its interests and allies.

He mentioned, “These tests showcase the capabilities that Striker Airmen bring to the table if summoned by the president. An aerial launch confirms the survivability of our ICBMs, which act as a strategic defense component for our nation and our allies.”

Tony Xia, a military expert and commentator, highlighted that these tests act as a deterrent against the new “axis of evil”—China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

He said, “The Minuteman III ICBM, launched from the ground, is a fundamental element of the United States’ nuclear triad and the fastest-reacting nuclear strike force. With a flight speed exceeding 20 Mach, there is very little time for adversaries to respond even when attacked from thousands of kilometers away. Along with its multi-warhead re-entry capability, this puts immense pressure on opponents, making almost no target immune.”

Xia stressed the importance of the U.S.’ ongoing capabilities for regional stability, especially considering the nuclear weapon advancements by the CCP, Russia, and North Korea, and their recent series of ICBM tests.

He added, “The United States, the West, and all nations dedicated to peace globally do not desire a new nuclear arms race. However, the actions of the CCP, Russia, North Korea, and now Iran violate international agreements by expanding their nuclear arsenals, posing a major threat to global security.”

Unlike North Korea, which has been conducting prohibited ballistic missile tests and nuclear weapons development, the United States is a recognized nuclear power under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Xia mentioned that the Minuteman III missile is planned to be replaced by the more advanced LGM-35 Sentinel, also known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, by the late 2030s.

“Nonetheless, the Minuteman III’s demonstration of nuclear strike capabilities retains substantial deterrence power,” he concluded.

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