The United States Army conducted an experimental launch of the unarmed Minuteman III ballistic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, for the purpose of a routine check.

On November 5, the U.S. Army conducted an experimental launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile Minuteman III from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, as part of a routine system check. The missile traveled approximately 6,750 kilometers to the Ronald Reagan test site in the Marshall Islands, being monitored through various technologies. Minuteman III, first launched in the 1970s, can carry nuclear warheads over distances of more than 12,000 kilometers and benefits from constant upgrades.

The launch took place in the context of recent statements by President Donald Trump, who suggested that the U.S. might resume nuclear tests, a practice abandoned in 1992. This coincides with orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin to prepare proposals for nuclear tests, the first time since 1990. Russia has emphasized that it respects the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty but will respond if the U.S. or other countries resume these tests. In this climate of tension, Russia has proposed nuclear tests in the Arctic, while the U.S. continues to assess its defense capabilities.