Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time on May 20 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

This routine launch, designated GT 256, was scheduled years ago and is not in response to world events.

The comprehensive operational test is designed to evaluate both the weapon system and the personnel who maintain it in a highly-controlled testing environment, according to AFGSC.

ICBM test launch, using unarmed Malmstrom missile, scheduled for early morning

The missile used in this test launch was pulled from the 341st Missile Wing complex at Malmstrom Air Force Base, AFGSC told The Electric earlier this week.

The Air Force rotates between the three missile wings to pull a missile for test launches.

Maintenance support for the test launch was also from Malmstrom.

Air Force test launched ICBM this week, part of longstanding testing program

The launch crew was a mix of airmen from all three missile wings: Malmstrom, F.E. Warren AFB in Wyoming and Minot AFB in North Dakota.

“Our ability to conduct these rigorous, realistic tests is foundational to our national security,” Gen. S.L. Davis, AFGSC commander, said in a release. “This launch verifies the health and readiness of our ICBM force, confirming the capability of every component of the ICBM enterprise, from our operators to the weapon system itself, to execute the mission.”

During the test launch, engineers track the flight path to evaluate the propulsion, guidance, and reentry system under extreme physical stress.

Air Force launches unarmed ICBM as part of routine, pre-planned test [2025]

“This launch allows us to authenticate the complete performance profile of the Minuteman III,” Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron, said in a release. “It confirms the precision of the system, ensuring the reentry vehicle can be delivered to its target with pinpoint accuracy.”

Test launches assess the entirety of the ICBM mission set and provide data from the complete end-to-end systems check, which is shared with the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and U.S. Strategic Command to inform sustainment, engineering and lifecycle analysis, according to AFGSC.

“The test itself is heavily supported by maintenance and operations crews who treat the event as a high-fidelity rehearsal of their daily procedures, validating their training against operational execution,” according to AFGSC.

The Air Force is maintaining the Minuteman III system while it transitions to Sentinel and the test launches ensure Minuteman is safe, reliable and effective in the meantime.