Safeguarding nuclear deterrence! U.S. and North Korea test-fire Volunteer 3 intercontinental missiles in the Western Pacific

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) announced the successful test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental missile.

The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) announced that it test-fired a missile toward the western Pacific Ocean at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California at 23:49 (03:49 Taiwan Time on the 24th). The test launch demonstrated that the U.S. nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and effective in deterring 21st century threats and ensuring the peace of mind of allies.

The U.S. Air Force Strike Command launched a Minuteman III intercontinental missile that hit a range 4,200 miles (6,759 kilometers) away at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, marking the first time since Biden took office that a missile has been fired toward the western Pacific. The test firing of the missile in the western Pacific Ocean.

Air Force Command Vice Col. Lt. Gen. Anthony Cotton said the test firing demonstrated the accuracy and reliability of the Volunteer III intercontinental missile, validated the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system and provided valuable data for future development to ensure a continued safe, secure and effective nuclear deterrent.

The U.S. Departments of Defense, Energy and Strategic Command will collect data from this test launch to apply to the assessment of future development, which the U.S. military says is a critical element of U.S. national security as well as the security of allies and strategic partners.