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Worried about angering Russia, the US canceled the launch of an intercontinental missile

The US Air Force canceled a test of the Minuteman III ballistic missile, a month after announcing the delay, because of concerns about escalating tensions with Russia.

Air Force Spokesperson America Ann Stefanek announced today that the force has canceled the test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in order to reduce tensions with the country. Russia in the midst of war Ukraine shows no sign of ending.

“The next Minuteman III missile test will take place later this year. The US Air Force remains confident with the combat readiness of the strategic nuclear force,” spokesman Stefanek said.





The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile lifts off from the launch pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in the United States on August 11.  Photo: USAF.

The Minuteman III rocket leaves the launch pad at the US base Vandenberg during a test in August 2021. Photo: USAF.

The US Air Force announced on March 2 that it would delay the test of the Minuteman III missile, after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s strategic nuclear forces to go into a high alert state. “The United States and Russia need to be aware of the potential for miscalculation and take steps to limit it,” the Pentagon said at the time, adding that the test was “shortly delayed” and not Canceled.

The decision to change the timetable for testing the Minuteman III missile also met with opposition from some US politicians. Congressman Jim Inhofe, the top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed disappointment after the Pentagon’s announcement in March that ICBM tests played an important role in security. ensure the nuclear deterrence of the United States.

The US Air Force said that test launches are usually scheduled five years in advance, preparation and launch planning takes place 6-12 months in advance, so it is not related to world events or tensions. straight in the area.

The LGM-30 Minuteman III missile has a range of 9,700 km, has been in service since the 1970s and could be replaced by a $264 billion Ground-based Strategic Deterrence System (GBSD), but not included. New nuclear warhead.

The US has about 450 Minuteman III missiles in storage tanks scattered across the country, with about 3,800 warheads in combat status and 2,000 warheads in storage. Minuteman III can carry one W87 warhead with a yield equivalent to 450,000 tons of TNT or three W78 warheads, each equivalent to 350,000 tons of TNT, which can hit separate targets.

Vu Anh (According to Reuters)

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