The United States has conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile test. While the missile test in question was making the world nervous, statements came from the US officials about the test one after another. Well, was the US ballistic missile test carried out as a reaction to the developments in the world? Here are the details…
“IT IS NOT THE RESULT OF CURRENT GLOBAL DEVELOPMENTS”
In a written statement made by the US Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), it was stated that the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile test was carried out, “This test is effective in deterring the threats of the 21st century and reassuring our allies that the US nuclear deterrence is safe, secure, reliable. It is part of routine and periodic activities aimed at demonstrating that “Such tests have been done more than 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current global developments.”
RANGE MORE THAN 9,660 KM
Launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the state of California, the unarmed ballistic missile traveled 6,760 kilometers and hit the target at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Minuteman III is seen as the key to the US military’s strategic arsenal. The missile has a range of more than 9,660 kilometers and travels at a speed of approximately 24 thousand kilometers per hour.
“DO NOT HAVE ANY DOUBT”
- Colonel Chris Cruise, Commander of the Flight Test Squadron, said in a statement: “There is no doubt that our nuclear power is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and our allies around the world. “This planned test demonstrates the readiness and reliability of the weapon system of our nation’s ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) fleet.”
“NOT REACTION TO DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORLD”
Task Force commander Major General Armand Wong said in a statement, “Our tests were planned long in advance and are not a reaction to developments in the world. “A meticulous planning process for each launch begins six months to a year before launch.”
THE SUCH TESTS HAVE BEEN DELAYED BEFORE DUE TO RUSSIA AND CHINA
The United States had twice postponed the tests earlier this month in order to avoid escalating tensions with China due to its drills near Taiwan, and to reduce nuclear tensions with Russia during the ongoing war in Ukraine last April.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last February that his country’s nuclear forces were on high alert, and fears had risen that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could lead to nuclear war. But the United States has so far declared that it sees no reason for Washington to change its nuclear alert levels. (UAV)