United States Tests Nuclear-Capable Minuteman III Missile Days After Trump's 'Golden Dome' Announcement

The US Air Force on Wednesday (21 May) conducted a doomsday missile test with a nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), Minuteman III, days after President Donald Trump's proposal for a nationwide missile defense system. The missile was launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base without any weapons.

The nuclear-capable Minuteman III missile reached the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands, which is part of the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command, after traveling about 4200 miles at a speed of over 15000 miles per hour, reported NDTV.

According to a statement from US Global Strike Command Commander General Thomas Bussiere, "This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad."

He added, "This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated airmen—missileers, defenders, helicopter operators, and the teams who support them—who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.

Additionally, the US military explained that the test of the missile launch was standard and "not a response to current world events."

One Mark-21 high-fidelity re-entry vehicle, fitted to the Minuteman III, would normally transport a nuclear payload in an operational situation. One of the many tests the missile has previously undergone was conducted in November 2024, shortly before Trump announced his victory as president.

Originally developed in the 1970s, the Minuteman program will eventually be replaced by the Sentinel system. Until the Sentinel reaches full operational capability, the Air Force has reaffirmed its commitment to making sure the Minuteman III "remains a viable deterrent."

Also Read: 'Golden Dome For America': Trump Unveils $175 Billion Space-Based Defence Initiative To Counter Missile Threats From China, Russia