The US has announced the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile

(2020) Test of US ICBM Minuteman missile – United States Air Force/AFP/Archives

The US military will test a nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missile on Wednesday, the Pentagon said.

“The unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile will be test-launched in the early morning hours of September 7 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California,” Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder announced today.

The announcement came as a surprise, as the Pentagon often confirms releases only after they’ve been made. Ryder explained that this was a long-planned “routine test” and that the US had informed Russia and other countries about it.

Ryder added that the purpose of the test was to “demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent.”

The US Air Force successfully launched a similar missile last month.