WASHINGTON: The United States has conducted a successful test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (Minuteman III) following President Donald Trump’s directive to resume nuclear testing. According to U.S. media reports, the test took place on Wednesday morning.
The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command confirmed that the missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, and the test was entirely successful. American officials stated that the Minuteman III traveled approximately 4,200 miles and accurately hit its target at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
The test, designated as “54 (GT 254),” was part of routine assessments to evaluate the readiness and precision of the country’s long-range missile systems.
The missile was unarmed and equipped with a test re-entry vehicle designed to gather various data during its flight. According to U.S. sources, the Minuteman III is a crucial component of America’s nuclear defense system, intended for use only in the event of a nuclear attack by an adversary.
Although the test was scheduled months in advance, it has attracted global attention because President Trump had recently ordered the military to restart nuclear tests after a hiatus of over three decades. Last week, the president publicly announced via social media that he had instructed the Department of Defense to begin nuclear testing immediately.
This development has raised international concerns as it marks a significant shift in U.S. nuclear policy and testing procedures.
