US fires intercontinental ballistic missile from California
The United States Air Force (USAF) fired a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from California on Wednesday (3/5/3027) morning.
USAF USA's Serious Air Force Command spokesman, Joe Thomas, from California, said the trials were routine and did not mean a show of force, Agence France-Presse reported.
The ICBM shootings were carried out amid tensions with the North Korean communist state, which is ambitious to continue its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
The Minuteman III missile was dashed from the USAF Vandenberg base at 7:02 am local time, the Command said in a statement.
The missile flew 4,200 miles or 6,700 km, then crashed near the coral island of Kwajalein, Marshall Islands, the Pacific Ocean, and is a US military ballistic missile test site.
Minuteman III, capable of carrying nuclear warheads, is tested like this about four times a year, says Linda Frost, who is also a spokesman for USAF's Global Attack Command.
"This trial tests the accuracy and reliability of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure safe, effective and effective nuclear weapons," he said.
"The ICBM launch program demonstrates Minuteman III's operational capabilities and ensures the US's ability to maintain a strong and reliable nuclear deterrent weapon as a key element of national security, allied security and US partners," he added.
However, in this test, ICBM was not equipped with any weapons.