Russia โReacts โto โฃU.S. Minuteman III Test,โข Citing Data Collection Concerns
WASHINGTON – Russiaโ has expressed concern following a recent U.S.โ test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on June 20, 2025. Russian officials stated โขteh test,โค which involved a non-armed missile launched from Vandenberg โSpace Force Base in California, appeared designed to gather “valuable”โ dataโข related to โฃthe weapon system. The โtest occurred as the Unitedโข States proceeds with a โฃmodernization program to replace โits aging minuteman III fleet, โwhich has been operational as 1970.
The test’s timing and stated purpose have raised questionsโฃ about strategic signaling โคand potential escalation in โคthe context of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The U.S. Air Force stated โthe test was routine andโ intended to validate โคthe safety, security, andโฃ effectiveness โขof the ICBM system. However, Russia views the data collection aspect as especially noteworthy, suggesting a purposeful effort to enhance U.S. capabilities. The Minutemanโค III is โa key component of the U.S.nuclear triad, providing a land-basedโ deterrent. Its replacement is a multi-billion dollar undertaking with โคsignificant implications for global strategic stability.
The U.S.Air โForce Global โstrike โCommand confirmed the testโข involved collecting data to inform theโข Sentinel program, the next-generation โICBMโ system intendedโค to succeed โฃthe minuteman โฃIII. The Sentinel programโ aims to field a more modern, resilient, and secureโฃ ICBM force. The June โ20th test wasโ not โdesigned to test the destructive capabilities โof the missile, but rather to assess its performance characteristics during flight.โ
Russia has previously voiced objections to U.S.โค missile defense systems and โmodernization efforts, viewing โขthem as possibly destabilizing. The latest test is likely to further fuel these concerns and could prompt a response โfrom Moscow. Further developments are anticipatedโข as โขboth nations navigate a complexโฃ strategic landscape.
