An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile was launched Wednesday from Vandenberg Air Force Base to test the weapon’s reliability and ensure an “effective nuclear deterrent,” according to the U.S. Air Force. The launch was conducted by the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana, the 576th Flight Test Squadron and Vandenberg’s 30th Space Wing team, the Air Force said. The 341st Missile Wing is one of three missile bases overseeing the country’s intercontinental ballistic missile forces. Members of the 576th Flight Test Squadron and Vandenberg Air Force Base monitor the launch of an unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile. Caption Raw Video: Successful launch of unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile An unarmed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) was launched from Vandenburg Air Force base in California just seven days after the first launch.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 03, 2017 15:53 UTC