US military launches 2nd ICBM in less than a month
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The Pentagon's announcement of the test beforehand comes out as unusual given that it has not confirmed recent tests until after they have occurred.
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Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (AP)
The US military launched an intercontinental ballistic missile, the Air Force Global Strike Command at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California said on Twitter, in the country's second launch and nuclear showoff in less than a month.
Pentagon spokesperson Brigadier General Pat Ryder said Tuesday that "there will be an operational test launch of an Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile early tomorrow morning, September 7, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California."
It is worth noting that the announcement was unusual because the Pentagon has not confirmed recent tests until after they have occurred.
Ryder told reporters that the aim of the test "is to demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear forces and provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent."
The United States Air Force successfully launched a Minutemen III ICBM on August 16, after postponing the test twice.
At the outset of April, the United States military canceled a test of its Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
Ryder further stated that the two tests were planned months in advance and are taking place so close together due to the postponement of the first.
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