The Global Strike Command reported Tuesday that the Air Force tested an unarmed, but nuclear-capable, long-range missile. The missile was launched "to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent," an Air Force statement said.
The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched without a payload from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California just after midnight. It traveled 4,200 miles to a test range near the Marshall Islands.
Delay for not disturbing China
Steven Wilson, spokesman for AF Global Strike Command reported that the launch was originally scheduled for August 4, but was delayed due to concerns about China's response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
"This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe, reliable and effective in deterring 21st century threats and reassuring our allies. Such tests have occurred more than 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events," the statement continued.
