US launches intercontinental ballistic missile from state of California

​​​​​​​By Simgenur Akbolat

ISTANBUL (AA) - The US on Wednesday launched a Minuteman III unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in the state of California.

The test took place at 1 a.m. local time (0900GMT) and was conducted by a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command personnel and Vandenberg Space Force Base Guardians, the base announced in a statement.

The missile was launched as part of routine evaluations to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of the US nuclear deterrent and not a “response to current world events,” it said.

“Today’s Minuteman III test launch is just one of the ways the Department of the Air Force demonstrates the readiness, precision, and professionalism of U.S. nuclear forces,” said Acting Secretary of the Air Force Gary Ashworth.

Data from the launch will be analyzed by the Pentagon, Energy Department and the US Strategic Command to support further development and assessment of the nation’s nuclear capabilities, the statement added.