Air Force Global Strike Command is conducting two unarmed test launches of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile at the Vandenberg Test Range in California next week.

The first test is scheduled for June 4 from 12:01 a.m. to June 4, 2024, 6:01 a.m., Pacific Time from north Vandenberg.

The second test is scheduled for June 6 from 12:01 a.m. to June 6, 6:01 a.m., Pacific Time from north Vandenberg.

Missile crews for the test launches are coming from all three ICBM bases, which are Malmstrom, F.E. Warren and Minot Air Force Bases.

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The missile and maintainers for the June 4 launch are coming from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren.

The missile and maintainers for the June 6 launch are coming from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom, according to AFGSC.

For the test launches, missiles are pulled from the missile field at one of the three ICBM bases and transported to Vandenberg. There, crews from the missile bases place the missile in a silo and conduct a test launch.

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“The purpose of the ICBM test launch program is to demonstrate the readiness of U.S. nuclear forces and provide confidence in the lethality and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear deterrent,” according to AFGSC.

Consistent with previous test launches, the routine, unarmed ICBM test launches will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.

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“A previous test launch slated for February 2024 had to be postponed due to some needed repairs at Reagan Test Site,” Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander, said in a release. “This summer’s test launch was already scheduled so it made sense to do them both while all the necessary personnel were in place. The launches were scheduled well in advance and have nothing to do with world events.”

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In accordance with standard procedures, the United States has transmitted a pre-launch notification pursuant to the Hague Code of Conduct, and notified the Russian government in advance, per our existing bilateral obligations, according to AFGSC.

Jenn Rowell

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