USAF conducts unarmed Minuteman III ICBM operational test from Vandenberg

Air Force Global Strike Command carried out an operational test launch of an unarmed LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Nov. 5. The flight validated missile performance without a live warhead.

Discovered 2025-11-05T11:17:49.572545-08:00 | 2025-11-05T11:17:49.572545-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • The launch was an operational test of an unarmed Minuteman III from Vandenberg (about 1:35 a.m. local on Nov. 5), confirming continued flight- and performance-validation activity for the land-based deterrent.
  • The event occurs against ongoing service-life decisions: the USAF is evaluating extending Minuteman III service through 2050 while restructuring the Sentinel replacement program.
  • It follows force-transition actions including the USAF taking the first Minuteman III silo offline at F.E. Warren, underscoring operational and infrastructure implications for sustainment and modernization.

Reported By

aereo.jor.br defence.m5dergi.com militarywatchmagazine.com news.ssbcrack.com zona-militar.com Space.com
Sources Tracked
13
First Seen
2025-11-05T11:17:49.572545-08:00
Latest Update
2025-11-11T09:44:38.458188-08:00
Coverage
Defense

Sources

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