US Successfully Tests Minuteman III ICBM Amid Trump’s Call for Nuclear Readiness

The US has successfully conducted a test launch of its Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The test took place just days after President Donald Trump called for the revival of America’s nuclear testing programme. The unarmed missile flew 7,500 kilometres before reaching its target near the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.

US Successfully Tests Minuteman III ICBM Amid Trump’s Call for Nuclear Readiness

Routine Test with Strategic Importance

The US Air Force clarified that the test, code-named GT 254, had been scheduled months earlier as part of routine reliability checks. According to Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, the exercise aimed to ensure that the missile system can perform its mission accurately.
Although routine, the timing of the test — following Trump’s renewed focus on nuclear capability — has drawn global attention, highlighting the strategic role of America’s ICBM programme.

About the Minuteman III Missile

The Minuteman III, operational since the 1970s, forms the core of the US land-based nuclear deterrent. It has a range of up to 13,000 kilometres and can carry multiple nuclear warheads. Despite its age, the missile continues to be upgraded to meet modern defence requirements.
Its name, “Minuteman,” reflects its ability to launch within one minute of receiving orders, symbolising rapid response and readiness — a key Cold War-era strategy that remains relevant today.

Trump’s Message: Peace Through Strength

President Donald Trump stated that while he supports global nuclear disarmament, the US must maintain strong deterrence capabilities. “We could blow up the world 150 times. There’s no need for this,” he said, noting discussions with Russia and China on arms reduction.
Trump reiterated that these tests are not acts of aggression, but measures to ensure peace and global stability through credible deterrence.

Non-Nuclear Tests and Modernisation Plans

According to Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the current missile trials do not involve any nuclear explosions. Instead, they test the delivery system, guidance controls, and launch mechanisms to verify long-term reliability.
The US plans to replace the Minuteman III fleet by 2030 under a new nuclear modernisation programme. However, defence analysts warn that such advancements could spark a new strategic arms race, even as Washington maintains that its goal is deterrence, not escalation.

Exam-Oriented Notes

The Minuteman III ICBM was launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
The missile travelled 7,500 km to the Marshall Islands target site.
The test, code-named GT 254, was unarmed and conducted by the 576th Flight Test Squadron.
Minuteman III has a range of 13,000 km and is part of the US nuclear triad.
President Donald Trump emphasised peace and deterrence through nuclear readiness.
The modernisation plan aims to replace Minuteman III missiles by 2030.

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Question & Answer

Q1. From which location was the Minuteman III ICBM test launched?
(a) Cape Canaveral Space Center
(b) Vandenberg Space Force Base
(c) Edwards Air Force Base
(d) Kennedy Space Center
Answer: Vandenberg Space Force Base

Q2. What was the codename of the Minuteman III missile test conducted by the US Air Force?
(a) GT 154
(b) GT 254
(c) GT 350
(d) GT 504
Answer: GT 254

Q3. What was the distance covered by the Minuteman III during the test launch?
(a) 5,000 km
(b) 6,200 km
(c) 7,500 km
(d) 8,000 km
Answer: 7,500 km

Q4. The Minuteman III missile is capable of reaching targets up to:
(a) 10,000 km
(b) 11,500 km
(c) 13,000 km
(d) 14,500 km
Answer: 13,000 km

Q5. When does the US plan to replace its Minuteman III missile fleet?
(a) By 2027
(b) By 2030
(c) By 2035
(d) By 2040
Answer: By 2030

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