WASHINGTON (Web Desk) - The United States has successfully conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test following an order from President Donald Trump.
According to the US Air Force, the missile was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and traveled approximately 4,200 miles before hitting its designated target at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site in the Marshall Islands.
Officials stated that the test was part of the GT 254 series, designed to evaluate the accuracy and performance of America’s long-range defense systems. The missile was unarmed and equipped with a re-entry vehicle intended to collect data during flight.
The test garnered global attention after President Trump, last week, directed the military to resume nuclear weapons testing for the first time in three decades.
In a social media statement, Trump emphasized that the United States must immediately restart nuclear testing to maintain its defense capabilities.
According to American media, the Minuteman III missile is a core component of the US nuclear deterrence system and would only be used in response to a nuclear attack against the country.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if the United States resumes nuclear tests, Russia will follow suit.