📋 Tender Overview
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE La. -- A joint team of Airmen launched an unarmed equipped with a single Mark-21 High Fidelity Re-Entry Vehicle May 21 at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time from California.
The Western Test Range at Vandenberg Space Force Base serves as the primary testing ground for the Air Force Global Strike Commands deterrent architecture. This test launch is part of routine and periodic activities designed to demonstrate that the United States nuclear deterrent remains safe secure reliable and effective in deterring 21st-century threats and reassuring our allies. With more than 300 similar tests conducted in the past this test is part of the nations ongoing commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent and is not a response to current world events.
This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nations nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad said commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated Airmen - missileers defenders helicopter operators and the teams who supports them - who ensure the security of the nation and its allies.
Vandenbergs oversaw the test launch. It is the nations only dedicated ICBM test organization professionally executing tests that accurately measure the current and future capability of the ICBM force.
Minuteman III remains the bedrock of our nations strategic deterrent and the unwavering dedication of the Airmen who ensure its readiness are a testament to its inherent lethality said Col. Dustin Harmon 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. Their expertise and commitment are vital to maintaining this credible force for peace. As we look to the future these same Airmen are paving the way for the ensuring a seamless transition to this next-generation capability and the continued security of our nation.
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The ICBMs reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4200 miles to the located within Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Kwajalein Atoll. Reagan Test Site sensors including high-fidelity metric and signature radars as well as optical sensors and telemetry support the research development test and evaluation of Americas defense and space programs. For these tests RTS team members collect radar optical and telemetry data in the terminal phase of flight to evaluate system performance.
Reagan Test Site is an indispensable national asset uniquely equipped to support critical tests of our nations offensive and defensive systems including all Glory Trip missions said Army Lt. Col. Casey Rumfelt RTS range director. Its specialized instrumentation and strategic location are unmatched globally ensuring the effectiveness of our nations strategic deterrent.
The test launch is a culmination of months of preparation that involve multiple government partners.
Airmen from all three missile wings were selected for the task force to support the test launch while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at Wyoming and the 341st Missile Wing from Montana supported maintenance requirements. The missile bases within Air Fore Global Strike Command have crew members standing alert 24 hours a day year-round overseeing the nations ICBM alert forces.
The ICBM community including the the and uses data collected from test launches for continuing force development evaluation. The ICBM test launch program demonstrates the operational capability of the Minuteman III and ensures the United States ability to maintain a strong credible nuclear deterrent as a key element of U.S. national security and the security of U.S. allies and partners.
The will replace the Minuteman III ICBM and until full capability is achieved the Air Force is committed to ensuring Minuteman III remains a viable deterrent.
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