U.S. Air Force tests unarmed Minuteman III ICBM amid Trump's call for nuclear testing resumption
By kevinhughes // 2025-11-07
Copy
 
  • The U.S. Air Force test-fired an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, traveling 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll. The test was long planned, not a reaction to current tensions, and reaffirms the missile's accuracy and reliability amid delays in its replacement program (Sentinel ICBM).
  • Days before the test, President Donald Trump announced plans to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing, citing Russia and China as key concerns. The U.S. last conducted a full-scale nuclear test in 1992 and never ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Russia, which revoked CTBT ratification in 2023, hinted at possible reciprocal testing.
  • Trump accused Russia and China of clandestine nuclear tests, though no evidence was provided. The State Department has previously raised concerns about low-yield Russian tests (1996–2019) and suspected Chinese experiments, though both nations deny violations.
  • Arms control experts fear Trump's push could destabilize global security and reignite a Cold War-style arms race. Delays in the $1.5 trillion Sentinel program mean the aging Minuteman III may remain operational until 2050, raising concerns about modernization failures.
  • With China expanding its nuclear arsenal (projected 1,500 warheads by 2035) and Russia potentially resuming tests, the U.S. faces a new era of nuclear posturing. The Pentagon frames these tests as "peace through strength," but critics warn they may accelerate global nuclear brinkmanship.
The U.S. Air Force successfully test-fired an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) early on Wednesday, Nov. 5, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California – marking the latest in a series of routine evaluations of the nation's nuclear deterrent. The launch comes just days after President Donald Trump announced plans to resume U.S. nuclear weapons testing—a move that has drawn sharp reactions from geopolitical rivals, including Russia. The missile, designated GT 254, traveled approximately 4,200 miles before landing in the Marshall Islands' Kwajalein Atoll, where the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site is located. The Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) emphasized that the test was long-scheduled and not a response to current geopolitical tensions. "This test is routine and was scheduled years in advance," the Air Force stated. The Minuteman III remains a cornerstone of America's nuclear triad – comprising land-based missiles, submarine-launched warheads and strategic bombers. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, the Minuteman III is a land-based ICBM currently in service with the United States Air Force. The Minuteman III was first deployed in 1970 and has since undergone several upgrades to maintain its effectiveness and reliability. Roughly 400 Minuteman III missiles are stationed across silos in Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska. However, delays in the $1.5 trillion Sentinel ICBM program – designed to replace the aging Minuteman III – have raised concerns that the older system may remain operational until 2050. A September Government Accountability Office (GAO) report noted significant cost overruns and logistical setbacks, forcing the Air Force to reassess its modernization timeline. "As we modernize to the Sentinel weapon system, we must continue to maintain the readiness of the existing Minuteman III fleet," said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of AFGSC. "GT 254 helps fulfill that commitment, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability."

Trump's nuclear testing directive sparks debate

The missile test follows Trump's Oct. 28 announcement on Truth Social that he had ordered the Department of War to restart nuclear weapons testing "on an equal basis" with rival nations. "Because of the tremendous destructive power, I HATED to do it, but had no choice!" Trump wrote, citing Russia and China as primary concerns. "Russia is second, and China is a distant third, but will be even within five years." U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright clarified that the renewed testing would not involve live nuclear detonations but rather "system tests" to verify the mechanical integrity of warheads and delivery systems. Washington last conducted a full-scale nuclear test in 1992 and signed – but never ratified – the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). Russia, which revoked its CTBT ratification in 2023, responded swiftly to Trump's announcement. Defense Minister Andrei Belousov suggested Moscow might resume its own nuclear testing, though Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that no formal decision had been made.

Trump slams Russia and China's alleged testing

Trump has repeatedly accused Russia and China of conducting clandestine nuclear tests—claims both nations deny. "Russia's testing and China's testing, but they don't talk about it," Trump said in a Nov. 2 interview with CBS' "60 Minutes," though he provided no evidence. The U.S. Department of State has previously raised concerns about Russia conducting low-yield nuclear experiments between 1996 and 2019, and similar suspicions linger about China. However, Moscow and Beijing maintain they adhere to a voluntary moratorium. Some lawmakers and arms control experts fear Trump's push for renewed testing could destabilize global security. "The possibility that we’ll be blowing up the Bikini Atoll again – the president just says stuff," said Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee. "If you start testing again, if you start getting back into a Cold War mindset… all you really achieve is an unstrategic focus and a shocking amount of money." Despite skepticism, the Pentagon has framed the Minuteman III test as part of a broader strategy of deterrence. "Under [Trump] and [Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth], we have PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH," the Pentagon posted on X following the launch. With the Minuteman III remaining operational for decades longer than anticipated and Trump pushing for renewed nuclear testing, the U.S. appears poised for a renewed arms race. Russia's potential reciprocal actions and China's rapidly expanding arsenal – projected to reach 1,500 warheads by 2035 – add urgency to the debate over nuclear modernization and arms control. Watch this video about the animated flight sequence of a Minuteman III ICBM. This video is from the gabfigueiro channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: YourNews.com BrightU.ai AirandSpaceForces.com NYPost.com NDTV.com Brighteon.com
Copy