The US Air Force destroyed the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile due to an anomaly that occurred during the last test in 2023
The US Air Force failed to complete the last test of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in 2023. It had to be destroyed.
As usual, the intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The flight was aborted at approximately 09:06 (EET) due to an anomaly. Minuteman III was destroyed over the Pacific Ocean.
The US Air Force Global Strike Command does not specify the nature of the anomaly, but only notes that it refers to any unpredictable event and can be caused by various factors. At the same time, the interrupted test provided valuable data for analysis.
This was the last test launch of the Minuteman III in 2023. In 2024, the US Air Force intends to conduct additional test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles unarmed with a warhead. Vandenberg is the only place in the United States where such tests can be performed.
