11:17 19-05-2026

U.S. to Test Minuteman III After Russia’s Sarmat Launch

U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jim Araos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The U.S. will test an unarmed Minuteman III ICBM capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, stressing the launch is routine and planned.

On May 20, the United States intends to conduct a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile, which is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. This was reported by the 30th Space Wing of the U. S. Space Force, stationed at Vandenberg Base in California.

According to the command, the launch is scheduled from the northern part of Vandenberg Base between 00:01 and 06:01 Pacific Time, which corresponds to 10:01—16:01 Moscow time.

The U.S. department stressed that such tests are conducted regularly and are not related to the current international situation. Their purpose is to check the effectiveness, readiness and accuracy of the weapon system.

It should be recalled that on May 12, Russia conducted a test launch of the newest Sarmat ballistic missile. Strategic Missile Forces Commander Colonel General Sergey Karakayev reported to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the successful launch of the new missile. He also said that the first regiment equipped with Sarmat missiles is expected to enter combat duty by the end of 2026.