The United States Air Force launched a nuclear-capable missile in a major test from California. The intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), called Minuteman III, was unarmed and flew more than 4,200 miles at a very high speed — over 15,000 miles per hour — to a test site in the Marshall Islands.

The launch happened at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California and ended at the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Defence Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll, which is controlled by the US Army Space and Missile Defence Command.

A video of the missile test was also released, showing the moment the missile took off.

Air Force says the test shows strength and readiness

General Thomas Bussiere, head of the US Global Strike Command, said the test shows how strong the country’s nuclear defence system is.

He said, “This ICBM test launch underscores the strength of the nation's nuclear deterrent and the readiness of the ICBM leg of the triad.”

He also praised the efforts of the military teams involved in managing the country’s missile systems. “This powerful safeguard is maintained by dedicated airmen – missileers, defenders, helicopter operators and the teams who support them – who ensure the security of the nation and its allies,” Bussiere added.

The military also clarified that this test was routine and "not a response to current world events".

Trump's 'Golden Dome' missile shield plan

The missile test comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has announced a massive plan for a nationwide missile defence system.

On Tuesday, Trump revealed the first phase of the project, called ‘Golden Dome’, with an initial funding of $25 billion. He said the total cost of the system will be around $175 billion. His goal is to build a defence shield that can protect the United States from different kinds of threats, including ICBMs, hypersonic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones.

Trump wants the system to be ready in about three years, around the time his second term ends.

However, experts believe the plan will face major problems. "The main challenges will be cost, the defence industrial base, and political will. They can all be overcome, but it will take focus and prioritisation," an expert told news agency AFP.

The Air Force said the Minuteman III program, which started in the 1970s, will eventually be replaced by a new system called Sentinel, but until then, they will continue to test and rely on Minuteman missiles.

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