Air Force launches unarmed ICBM in test

Air Force Global Strike Command launched an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile early Wednesday morning, the second test in as many months.

The Minuteman III missile was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, shortly after 1 a.m. local time, according to a news release from the base.

"These test launches demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent," said Space Launch Delta 30 Vice Commander Col. Bryan Titus, who was the launch decision authority.

GSC last tested the Minuteman III on Aug. 16 after months of delays or cancellations. A test in March was canceled as Russia threatened nuclear strikes during the early days of the war in Ukraine, and a test earlier in August was postponed as China conducted military exercises in the Taiwan Strait following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-CA) visit to Taiwan.