Washington. The US Air Force Global Strike Command has test launched an unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) to test its readiness. The Army said in a statement, “This test launch is part of regular and periodic activities aimed at demonstrating that the US nuclear deterrent is safe, reliable and effective.” America has tested the hypersonic Minuteman III ballistic missile at a time when West Asia is standing on the brink of war and countries like Iran are threatening nuclear war. On the other hand, Russia and Ukraine are also clashing with each other.
This ballistic missile equipped with multiple target re-entry vehicles was launched on November 5 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. After launch, the ICBM traveled a distance of approximately 4,200 miles (6,759 kilometers) to a test site in the Marshall Islands. Before this recent ballistic missile test, similar testing had been done 300 times. Nuclear deterrence is a military doctrine that aims to deter other countries from using nuclear weapons by threatening retaliation.
What is the specialty of Hypersonic Minuteman III Missile?
The Minuteman III system is designed for strategic defense and has a range of 5,218 nautical miles (6,000 miles/9,656 kilometers) and a maximum speed of 15,000 miles (24,000 kilometers) per hour. The missiles are kept in strong underground silos to protect them from possible attacks. The silos are linked to underground launch control centers through strong cables for secure communication and command.
The system includes multiple communications networks to ensure immediate and reliable contact between the launch crew and top national leadership, including the US President and the Secretary of Defense. If there is a communication problem between the ground control center and the remote missile launch facility, the Air Launch Control Center teams themselves take command and implement the President’s orders.
Tags: United States
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 11, 2024, 22:57 IST
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