The US Air Force and Navy conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile on April 19 using the onboard control center. It is reported by Defense News.
The publication points out that the intercontinental ballistic missile carried a test warhead and the launch was controlled from the onboard system of the US Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft.
According to Defense News, this was the first test of the Minuteman since Feb. 9, and for the first time since Aug. 16 last year it included the use of an onboard control center. The publication points out that the strategic command and control aircraft, as well as the US Navy’s E-6B Mercury air command post, were flown by military personnel from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron at Air Force Base. Offutt, Nebraska.
Of note, pilots from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmström Air Force Base in Montana were also part of the task force supporting the test launch. The rocket’s direct launch took place at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Strategic deterrence is our Air Force’s most important mission and the cornerstone of American defense. This test launch confirms what our allies and partners already know: we stand ready to defend the United States with combat-ready nuclear forces anytime, anywhere to launch a global strike.
- said the head of the Global Strike Command of the US Air Force, General Thomas Bussier.
And today another NATO country launched an intercontinental ballistic missile. The M51 ICBM was successfully launched from the French strategic nuclear icebreaker FS Le Terrible. In all likelihood, the North Atlantic Alliance has decided to demonstrate its capabilities not so much to its allies as to those it considers adversaries.
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