[Epoch Times, August 12, 2021](Epoch Times reporter Zhang Ting comprehensive report) The U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) announced on Wednesday (August 11) that it had moved from the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Base) successfully tested an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with a reentry vehicle. AFGSC said in a press release that this demonstrates the state of preparedness, lethality and effectiveness of US nuclear forces.
The intercontinental ballistic missile tested this time is equipped with a “Hi Fidelity Joint Test Assembly re-entry vehicle” (Hi Fidelity Joint Test Assembly re-entry vehicle), which hit about 4,200 miles (about 6,758 kilometers) away from the Sauer Islands. (Marshall Islands) The waters near Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Islands) had previously detonated conventional (ie, non-nuclear) explosives. According to the press release, these test launches have verified the accuracy and reliability of the US intercontinental ballistic missile weapon system and provided valuable data to ensure continued safety, reliability and effective nuclear deterrence.
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“The U.S. nuclear enterprise is the cornerstone of the security structure of the free world,” said Omar Colbert, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. “Today’s test is just a demonstration of how our national ICBM fleet demonstrates weapon systems. One of the examples of combat readiness and reliability. This also allows us to demonstrate the amazing capabilities of American pilots.”
This test launch is the culmination of months of preparation work involving multiple government partners. The Air Force personnel performing this important task are the most well-trained and educated personnel in the Air Force.
Pilots from the US Air Force’s 341st Missile Wing, 90th and 91st Missile Wings were selected as task forces to support the test. The bases where the three missile wing are located remain vigilant 24 hours a day throughout the year and are responsible for overseeing the country’s intercontinental ballistic missile operations.
Task Force Commander Aaron Boudreau said the United States does not intend to use these test fires as a response to regional tensions. The launch schedule was formulated five years ago, and related preparations were launched six months to one year before the launch.
“Our task force is composed of experts from all three missile wings who have demonstrated incredible initiative and flexibility to overcome unforeseen challenges during this global pandemic (COVID-19). “Budro said.
Nevertheless, this test launch in the Pacific region comes at a time when the leadership of the US Air Force and the Department of Defense are increasingly emphasizing that the CCP poses a regional threat.
Researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, USA, analyzed commercial satellite images and found 119 construction sites near Yumen City, Gansu Province, the characteristics of which are consistent with the existing missile launch facilities of the CCP .
According to Jeffrey Lewis, a nuclear weapon expert and director of the East Asian Nuclear Proliferation Program at the Research Center, these construction works show that the CCP is working hard to convince people of its nuclear deterrence. He described the scale of the project as “unbelievable.”
In response, the US Air Force leaders emphasized that the United States needs to modernize its nuclear missiles.
“I believe modernization is a key part of it, don’t you? Modernization is a key part of countering nuclear proliferation.” Michael J. Lutton, the 20th commander of the U.S. Air Force, at the Mitchell Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics on August 10 Said in a video event.
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