United States Test-Launches Minuteman III ‘Doomsday Missile’

The United States recently carried out a test launch of the LGM-30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), widely referred to as the “doomsday missile.” The test was conducted on March 3, 2026, from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, according to the Air Force Global Strike Command.

During the launch, the missile carried two re-entry vehicles and travelled several thousand miles before reaching its planned impact zone near the Marshall Islands in the west-central Pacific Ocean.

Part of Long-Running Reliability Programme
The United States Space Force stated that the launch forms part of a long-running test programme that includes more than 300 similar launches. These tests are conducted periodically to evaluate the reliability, accuracy, and readiness of the missile system within the U.S. strategic defence structure.

Role in the U.S. Nuclear Triad
The Minuteman III constitutes one of the three pillars of the Nuclear Triad maintained by the United States for strategic deterrence.

The other two components include:

• Strategic bombers, such as the B-52 Stratofortress and B-2 Spirit.
• Submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) deployed on U.S. Navy nuclear submarines.

Technical Capabilities of Minuteman III
The Minuteman III is a nuclear-capable ICBM typically equipped with a Mark 21 re-entry vehicle. It has a range exceeding 6,000 miles and can travel at speeds of around 15,000 miles per hour, allowing it to strike targets across continents within minutes.

These missiles are deployed in reinforced underground silos, which are designed to withstand potential attacks. Each silo is linked to a subterranean launch control centre through hardened communication systems to ensure secure command and control.

Why It Is Called the ‘Doomsday Missile’
The Minuteman III is often described as a “doomsday missile” due to the devastating consequences associated with nuclear strikes. A nuclear detonation could produce widespread radiation fallout, potentially rendering large areas uninhabitable for long periods.

Warhead Configuration and Arms Control
As an intercontinental ballistic missile, the system can travel at hypersonic speeds and reach almost any location in the world. It is capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs), enabling a single missile to strike several targets.

However, although the system can carry up to three warheads, the current configuration carries only one, in line with nuclear arms reduction agreements between the United States and Russia.

Source: TH