US ICBM Additional Test Launch in 3 Weeks... Unusual Prior Notice to Russia

Additional Test Launches Since the 16th of Last Month
Concerns Over Further Deterioration of Relations with Russia Ahead of Midterm Elections

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The United States announced that it will conduct an additional test launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) 'Minuteman-3' three weeks after its launch last month, and unusually notified Russia of this fact as well. This move is interpreted as a measure to avoid further deterioration of relations or the possibility of severing diplomatic ties with Russia ahead of the November midterm elections.

On the 6th (local time), Patrick Ryder, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, stated at a press briefing, "There will be a Minuteman-3 test launch at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on the 7th," adding, "We have notified Russia of the scheduled test launch in accordance with standard procedures." It is unusual for the U.S. military to disclose the test launch of an ICBM in advance and notify Russia beforehand. Until now, the U.S. military has typically revealed such information only after the test launch through media reports.

Spokesperson Ryder emphasized, "The ICBM test launch program is intended to demonstrate the readiness of the U.S. nuclear forces and to provide confidence in the security and effectiveness of nuclear deterrence," adding, "Tomorrow's launch has been planned for a long time."

The U.S. military has conducted several Minuteman-3 test launches annually under the so-called 'Glory Trip' program as part of reliability assessments. However, in March, immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one test launch was postponed considering relations with Russia. Subsequently, on the 16th of last month, the test launch was carried out amid escalating Chinese threats in the Taiwan Strait following House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

Both inside and outside the U.S., there is analysis that the Biden administration, facing numerous domestic and international issues ahead of the November midterm elections, did not want further deterioration of relations with Russia and therefore unusually provided advance notice of the test launch. The day before, President Biden also showed a cautious stance by directly stating that he would not designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

According to CNN, Russia had previously pressured the U.S. by threatening to sever diplomatic relations entirely if the U.S. designated Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. If Russia actually declares a break in diplomatic ties with the U.S., it is feared that military confrontation between nuclear-armed countries could become a reality, causing significant political repercussions both inside and outside the U.S.