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

Minuteman III ICBM operational test launch
Minuteman III ICBM operational test launch
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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.