The Air Force is scheduled to conduct an operational test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile between 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time on Feb. 18 to 5:01 a.m. Pacific Time, Feb. 19, from north Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

Air Force, Navy completes ICBM test launch [2024]

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 Air Force Global Strike Command.

This test is routine and was scheduled years in advance. Consistent with previous test launches, this ICBM test launch will validate and verify the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.

Air Force conducts first of two ICBM test launches this week [2024]

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.

The missile for this test launch was pulled from F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming. Maintainers for the transport and launch are also from F.E. Warren, according to AFGSC.

ICBM test launch terminated [2023]

The launch crew will be comprised of missileers from all three missile bases, including Malmstrom AFB, which as been standard practice since COVID, according to AFGSC.

During a June 2024 test launch, AFGSC said, “this test launch is part of routine and periodic activities intended to demonstrate that the United States’ nuclear deterrent is safe, secure, reliable and effective to deter 21st century threats and reassure our allies. Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events.”

AF Under Secretary visits Malmstrom, talks Sentinel conversion progress

The June 6 launch was conducted with maintainers from the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom.

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.

The Air Force is currently in the process of replacing the Minuteman with the Sentinel LG-35A missile system and until it’s fully operational, the Air Force will continue using the Minuteman III system for nuclear deterrence.