U.S. Air Force Test-Fires Minuteman III Missile as Doomsday Clock Stays at 89 Seconds to Midnight

Vandenberg Space Force Base, California – In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the U.S. Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The test, carried out by Air Force Global Strike Command, was part of routine efforts to ensure that America’s land-based nuclear deterrent remains reliable—especially as its ageing arsenal faces growing challenges.

The missile, stripped of its nuclear warhead and fitted with a test re-entry vehicle, travelled 4,200 miles at speeds exceeding 15,000 mph before splashing down near the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. As it streaked across the sky, radars, optical sensors, and telemetry stations tracked its every move, collecting crucial data on its performance.

Why This Matters: An Old System That Can’t Be Retired Yet

The Minuteman III has been America’s land-based nuclear workhorse for over 50 years, and it wasn’t supposed to last this long. Originally deployed in 1970, the missile was designed for rapid response, a holdover from Cold War-era strategy. The Air Force’s 400 Minuteman III missiles, spread across Colorado, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming, form the ground-based leg of the U.S. nuclear triad, alongside bombers and submarines.

But the system is undeniably ageing, and its long-awaited replacement—the LGM-35A Sentinel, developed by Northrop Grumman—is still years away. The Sentinel program has run into major hurdles, from unexpected cost overruns to complicated infrastructure issues, forcing the Air Force to restructure the program to rein in ballooning costs.

That means Minuteman III will have to keep flying longer than planned, and every test like Wednesday’s is a reminder of just how critical these ageing missiles remain to U.S. national security.

‘We Will Make It Work’

Despite these challenges, the Air Force insists the U.S. is ready to meet its nuclear deterrence mission. Col. Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, emphasized that tests like these are essential for keeping the Minuteman III viable while its successor is developed.

“Every time we launch one of these, we’re validating the accuracy and reliability of the system,” Harmon said. “It’s about making sure that, if needed, these missiles will work as intended.”

The test missile was randomly pulled from F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Wyoming, disassembled, transported 13,000 miles, and reassembled at Vandenberg before launch. The Air Force has performed more than 300 such tests over the decades, ensuring the system remains functional despite its age.

Sentinel Delays and a Stretched Timeline

The Pentagon had hoped to start rolling out the Sentinel in the 2030s, but with rising costs and logistical issues, officials now expect delays. In early 2024, as the Sentinel’s budget swelled beyond projections, Congress and the Pentagon launched an intensive review of the program. Despite its challenges, defence leaders made it clear: cancelling Sentinel is not an option.

“The Air Force will do whatever it takes to sustain Minuteman III while we bring Sentinel online,” said Andrew Hunter, the service’s acquisition chief last year.

A Reminder of the Stakes

This latest launch comes at a time when global nuclear tensions are higher than they’ve been in decades. With Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, China’s rapid military expansion, and North Korea’s growing missile program, America’s nuclear readiness remains a key issue.

The test also serves as a reminder of the symbolism behind these weapons. The Doomsday Clock, maintained by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, currently sits at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it’s ever been. While the Minuteman III is a real, functional weapon, the Doomsday Clock is a symbolic warning, reflecting the risks of nuclear escalation.

Looking Ahead

For now, Minuteman III is here to stay, and the Air Force will continue testing, maintaining, and—when necessary—upgrading it to ensure it remains combat-ready. But with Sentinel still years away, the U.S. is in a race against time to modernize its nuclear arsenal before the current system becomes too old to maintain.

Until then, launches like this one will continue—each a quiet but firm statement that, despite the challenges, America’s nuclear deterrent is still very much operational.