ICBM Minuteman III destroyed after an anomaly in the tests observed in South Korea, according to US Air Force
The United States Air Force reported the controlled destruction of a Minuteman III LGM-30G intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) after noticing an anomaly during a test flight. The incident occurred over the waters of the Pacific Ocean and was brought to safety. Representatives from South Korea were present during the trial, marking a milestone in the newly established strategic agreement between the two countries.
The test, which took place around 12:06 AM PST, ended early. From Vandenberg Space Base, the unit Launch of Space Delta 30 from the US Space Force decided to activate the termination protocol of the Minuteman IIIa process, which involves programmed destruction of the missile to ensure safety.
The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) explains that anomalies are unexpected events that can result from different variables, including the operating platform and the test equipment. A detailed analysis is essential to determining the exact cause of these unexpected events.
The attempts at ICBM Minuteman III It is standard US military practice to verify the reliability of this arsenal, an important part of the country’s nuclear deterrence strategy. With almost 400 Minuteman III missiles In the silos of five states, these tests are essential to maintaining national defense.
The recent incident raises concerns but also highlights the importance of testing to identify and correct any vulnerabilities. The factors that led to the missile’s failure in this last test have not yet been determined.
The observation of a possible deviation from the normal trajectory of Minuteman III by a viewer can provide clues to the recorded anomaly. These details are part of an ongoing investigation.
To deepen the analysis, a Launch Analysis Group was formed, including experts from the AFGSCHE 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the Launch Space Delta 30 Safety Office, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and so on.
Despite the failure, the Air Force was able to collect valuable data that will contribute to future operations and security protocols.
This is not the first time they have faced an unexpected event in similar trials. In 2021, another Minuteman III was aborted before takeoff, and in 2018, another similar incident occurred. These events highlight the importance of continued testing to ensure the integrity of the US nuclear arsenal.
The Ministry of Defense of South Korea was the first to announce the launch of Minuteman III, although he did not comment on the outcome of that event.
In an unprecedented joint operation since 2016, the delegation of NCG on South Korea and EE.UU. visited the launch base of ICBM, which promotes prevention cooperation, according to the Declaration of Washington. This event represents a milestone as the second follow-up to the launch of ICBM in bilateral history.
South Korean officials were also introduced to the system GMD on From the Mountain, which includes GBI. These visits show a new strategic commitment to resistance in North Korea. Recent milestones include visiting a class submarine in Ohio in South Korean ports and the landing of a bomber B-52, events that haven’t happened in decades.
South Korean Vice Minister Heo Tae Keun reiterated the commitment of EE.UU. to continue prevention, emphasizing the importance of ICBM as a visible example of this policy. Vipin Narang stressed that the evidence of the ICBM is essential to maintaining the credibility of nuclear deterrence and responding to threats in the 21st century.
Finally, the importance of continuous testing Minuteman III to avoid failures while advancing the development of the new ICBM LGM-35A Sentinel with the expectation that it will be operational in the next decade Meanwhile, Minuteman III will continue to be a fundamental pillar of the nuclear arsenal of the EE.UU.
