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Unarmed missile test launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California

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Staff Sgt. Brittany E. N. Murphy/Chris Okula
An Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches during an operation test at 11:49 p.m. PT Feb. 23, 2021, at Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. ICBM test launches demonstrate the U.S. nuclear enterprise is safe, secure, effective and ready to defend the United States and its allies. ICBMs provide the U.S. and its allies the necessary deterrent capability to maintain freedom to operate and navigate globally in accordance with international laws and norms. (U.S. Space Force photo by Brittany E. N. Murphy)
Minuteman III ICBM operational test launch
Minuteman III ICBM operational test launch
Posted at 8:23 AM, Feb 24, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-24 11:23:43-05

VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AP) -- The U.S. Air Force says an unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile was successfully launched from California in a test of the defense system.

The missile blasted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday and arced over the Pacific Ocean.

The missile delivered a test re-entry vehicle to a range near the Kwajalein Atoll after a flight of about 4,200 miles.

The Air Force Global Strike Command says the launch program is intended to verify the safety, security, effectiveness, and readiness of the weapon system.

(Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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