US test-fires nuclear-capable 'doomsday' missile amid Iran war: What to know about Minuteman III

The unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched on Tuesday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. (Representational Image)

The US launched an unarmed Minuteman III missile from California amid rising Middle East tensions, emphasizing nuclear readiness. Officials said the routine test assessed system reliability and was not linked to current conflicts, despite heightened global security concerns.

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As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, the United States conducted a test launch of its nuclear-capable LGM-30G Minuteman III, one of the most powerful weapons in the American strategic arsenal. The launch came as the regional conflict entered its sixth day, underscoring Washington’s focus on maintaining nuclear readiness amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

The unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched on Tuesday night from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. According to the United States Space Force, the missile carried two test re-entry vehicles designed to help evaluate the performance and reliability of the system.

Officials said the launch was part of a routine test to assess the operational readiness of the United States’ land-based nuclear deterrent. These tests are regularly conducted to ensure that the missile systems remain reliable and capable of performing their mission if ever required.

“GT 255 allowed us to assess the performance of individual components of the missile system,” said Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron.

“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,” Wray added.

The Minuteman III missile remains a critical element of the United States’ nuclear triad, which includes land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bomber aircraft. Together, these systems form the backbone of the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy.

The missile has a range of roughly 6,000 miles and can travel at speeds exceeding 15,000 miles per hour. At those speeds, it can reach targets across continents within minutes. In a wartime configuration, the missile is capable of carrying nuclear warheads significantly more powerful than the atomic bomb used in the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Military officials emphasised that the test launch was not related to any specific international event and was planned well in advance. However, the demonstration of such capability comes at a time when global security tensions are rising, particularly amid the expanding conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.