US launches Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in test to prove America is ‘ready for nuclear war’

THE US has launched a Minuteman III intercontinental missile in a test designed to prove America’s readiness for a nuclear conflict.

US Air Force officials warned that the launch was planned well in advance and not linked to the current geopolitical climate.

The missile was equipped with a re-entry vehicle from California's Vandenburg Space Force Base.

The vehicle traveled more than 4,200 miles as part of the exercise.

Task Force commander Maj. Armond Wong: "Our test launches are scheduled well in advance and are not reactionary to world events."

Officials said there is a "meticulous" planning process that begins as far as a year in advance.

Col. Chris Cruise, 576th Flight Test Squadron Commander, said: Make no mistake - our nuclear triad is the cornerstone of the national security of our country and of our allies around the globe.

“This scheduled test launch is demonstrative of how our nation’s ICBM fleet illustrates our readiness and reliability of the weapon system.

Air Force officials have revealed that there have been more than 300 missile tests previously.

The Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile can travel at speeds of 15,000mph and has a range of more than 6,000 miles.

The test comes just weeks after US officials delayed an intercontinental ballistic missile launch.

John Kirby, of the National Security Council, revealed Washington wanted to "demonstrate the behavior of a responsible nuclear power by reducing the risks of miscalculation and misperception".

He added: "This is a long-planned test but it is being postponed to remove any misunderstandings given the PRC’s actions around Taiwan."

Tensions between China and Taiwan appeared to heat up following Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping previously warned US President Joe Biden that "whoever plays with fire will get burnt".

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world is reportedly staring down the "loaded gun" of a potential nuclear armageddon.

He made the remarks while visiting the Japanese city of Hiroshima on the 77th anniversary of the first atomic bomb attack.

Guterres said: "We must ask: What have we learned from the mushroom cloud that swelled above this city?"

He warned that: "Humanity is playing with a loaded gun."