US Air Force Test-Launches Minuteman III ICBM Amid Trump’s Call To Restart Nuclear Testing

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 21:33 IST

The US Air Force launched an unarmed Minuteman III missile as Trump suggested possible nuclear tests amid concerns over China, Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan.

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile lifts off during an operational test on November 5, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. (IMAGE: US SPACE FORCE)

The US Air Force conducted a routine test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, even as US President Donald Trump signalled that Washington may resume nuclear testing claiming on several occasions that China, Russia, North Korea and Pakistan have been conducting underground tests.

Only North Korea has carried out a nuclear test explosion in the 21st century, the last one in 2017.

The test, designated Glory Trip 254, was conducted to verify the missile system’s performance and gather data to ensure the continued accuracy and reliability of the US ICBM force, the US Space Force said in a release.

Shankhyaneel Sarkar

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...Read More

Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has covered se...

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News world US Air Force Test-Launches Minuteman III ICBM Amid Trump’s Call To Restart Nuclear Testing

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