Vandenberg, California – May 29, 2025 – The United States Air Force successfully conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a high-fidelity Mark-21 reentry vehicle.
The launch took place at 12:01 a.m. (Pacific Time) on May 21 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
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The test was led by a joint team of Airmen from the Air Force Global Strike Command and overseen by the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the nation’s only unit solely focused on ICBM assessment. The operation is part of a routine series of launches aimed at ensuring that the U.S. nuclear deterrent remains safe, secure, reliable, and effective in the face of 21st-century threats.
“This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation’s nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad,” said General Thomas Bussiere, commander of Global Strike Command. “This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators, and their support crews – who ensure the safety of our nation and its allies.”
The reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles (about 6,760 km) to the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Kwajalein Atoll, Republic of the Marshall Islands. Operated by the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command, the site provides essential infrastructure for data collection via optical sensors, radars, and telemetry, supporting critical space and defense testing.
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“The Reagan Test Site is an indispensable national asset, uniquely equipped to support strategic missions like this,” emphasized Army Lieutenant Colonel Casey Rumfelt, RTS range director. “Its instrumentation and location make it one-of-a-kind worldwide.”
The mission was the result of months of preparation involving several government agencies. Airmen from the three U.S. missile wings participated in the task force, with support from the 90th Missile Wing (FE Warren Base, Wyoming) and the 341st Missile Wing (Malmstrom Base, Montana).
According to Colonel Dustin Harmon, commander of the 377th Test and Evaluation Group, “The Minuteman III remains the cornerstone of the nation’s strategic deterrent, and the dedication of our Airmen is critical to maintaining its readiness and effectiveness.” Harmon also noted that these same professionals are leading the transition to the future LGM-35A Sentinel system, which will replace the Minuteman III in the coming decades.
With more than 300 similar tests already conducted, the Minuteman III ICBM launch program reinforces the operational capability of the U.S. nuclear force, ensuring national security and maintaining global ally confidence.
Source and image: US Navy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
