The U.S. Air Force has announced that an unarmed LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was safely terminated over the Pacific Ocean after an unspecified anomaly occurred during a routine test launch. The test was observed by a delegation from South Korea in accordance with a new bilateral strategic cooperation agreement signed earlier this year.
The test flight of the LGM-30G missile ended at approximately 12:06 AM PST, according to a press release from Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC). The missile was launched from a test silo at Vandenberg Space Force Base, and the termination was commanded by U.S. Space Force’s Space Launch Delta 30.
An anomaly is defined as any unexpected event during the test, and careful analysis is required to identify the cause. The U.S. military conducts routine test launches of unarmed Minuteman III ICBMs to demonstrate their reliability and for other evaluation purposes. Currently, the U.S. Air Force has around 400 Minuteman III missiles, each equipped with a single nuclear warhead.
While the cause of the termination is still unknown, an observer on the ground captured an image showing an unusual upswing in the missile’s trajectory after launch. An investigation group, consisting of representatives from various organizations, will be formed to investigate the cause.
Despite the failure of the test launch, the Air Force was able to gather useful data. This is not the first time that a Minuteman III missile has failed or a routine test has been aborted. In 2021, another test launch was aborted for unspecified reasons, and in 2018, a flight was terminated due to an anomaly.
South Korea’s Ministry of Defense issued a press release about the launch, mentioning the joint visit by the ROK-US Department of National Defense Nuclear Consultative Group delegation. The delegation observed the launch as part of the ROK-US joint implementation of extended deterrence. South Korean officials were also shown a part of the Ground-based Mid-course Defense anti-ballistic missile system during their visit.
This observation of the Minuteman III test follows other strategic engagements between South Korea and the United States aimed at deterring North Korea. These engagements include the visit of a U.S. Navy Ohio class nuclear ballistic missile submarine to a South Korean port and the landing of a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber in South Korea.
The failure of the test launch highlights the need for routine testing of the Minuteman III missiles. The Air Force is currently working on replacing these missiles with new LGM-35A Sentinel ICBMs. However, the Minuteman IIIs will continue to be a crucial part of America’s nuclear arsenal until the Sentinels are operational.
