US Launches Nuclear Missile to Show Its Powers as Fear of World War 3 Increases
- US Air Force successfully launched a hypersonic missile on February 19, demonstrating the nation's nuclear deterrent capabilities
- The Minuteman III ICBM exercise from Vandenberg Space Force Base collected performance data, emphasising the readiness and effectiveness of US nuclear forces
- The missile, which travelled at 15,000 miles per hour, is set to be replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM by 2029
Washington, D.C., USA – The US Air Force successfully launched a hypersonic missile on February 19, showcasing the nation's nuclear deterrent capabilities.
The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) exercise commenced at 1 am PT (5am ET) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, just hours after Russia conducted combat training with its 'Yars' ICBM.
Source: Getty Images
The Air Force clarified that the launch was a scheduled exercise, part of the nation's ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent, and not a response to current world events.
Statements from Air Force officials
Acting Secretary of the Air Force, Gary Ashworth, stated:
Today's Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of US nuclear forces. It also provides confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrence mission."
The exercise collected and analyzed performance and other key data points to evaluate the current missile system's competencies.
Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group (TEG), added:
"This allows our team to analyze and report accuracy and reliability for the current system while validating projected missile system improvements."
The hypersonic missile travelled 15,000 miles per hour to a test range near Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, completing the 4,200-mile journey in approximately 22 minutes.
Future of US missile systems
The Minuteman III ICBM is one of two missiles currently used by the US, alongside submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) deployed from underwater submarines.
This vital component of the US military's nuclear forces is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.
The US Air Force emphasized that the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad, extending its capabilities through 2075.
Russian shows nuclear strength
Two weeks before the US launch, Russia showcased its nuclear power with stealth manoeuvres of Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles in its Volga region.
The Russian Defence Ministry released video footage of Yars missile launchers moving through a snowy forest, highlighting the ongoing nuclear tensions between the two nations.
Source: Twitter
US designates groups as foreign terrorist organisations
Legit.ng earlier reported that the U.S. State Department designated Mexican drug cartels, MS-13, and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua as foreign terrorist organisations.
The designation, signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, was published in the Federal Register on February 20.
The move opened the door for potential financial sanctions against Tren de Aragua, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), and several drug cartels, including Cartel de Sinaloa, Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación, Carteles Unidos, Cartel del Noreste, Cartel del Golfo, and La Nueva Familia Michoacana.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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Source: Legit.ng
