US Tests Intercontinental Ballistic Missile

Facts

• The US Air Force on Wed. test launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
• According to Air Force Brig. Gen. Ryder, the launch was a scheduled routine test and is meant to demonstrate the readiness of the US military's nuclear forces and "provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of the nation's nuclear deterrent."
• The US notified Russia and the Hague in advance, following standard procedures and treaty obligations.
• The US most recently launched a Minutemen III ICBM test on Aug. 16. This was postponed twice amid tensions with China over Taiwan, and with Russia over the Ukraine war.
• The Minuteman III ICBMs are tested several times a year and have a range of more than 6K miles and can travel up to 15K miles per hour. They are reportedly stored in underground silos in five Western states.
• As of August, the Air Force has reportedly administered over 300 ICBM tests.

Sources: FOX News, Radio Free Europe, Washington Examiner, Defense, Daily Mail, and CNN.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Arms Control. While there's no doubt that nuclear deterrence is crucial, America's nuclear arsenal is grossly oversized and expensive, and it's time to downsize. There's no better place to start than with its outdated ICBM fleet, which is costly, easily targeted, and adds little deterrence.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Forbes. Despite criticisms, all three legs of the US nuclear arsenal - including its land-based ICBMs - are vital to nuclear deterrence. While the size of the ICBM force may seem excessive, it sends the message to allies and adversaries alike that the US is fully-equipped and prepared to retaliate.

Predictions