US Responds To Kremlin's Nuclear Drills With Missile Launch

• 20.05.2026, 16:36

She's capable of flying to Moscow.

The United States has conducted a successful test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) reaching Moscow after Russia launched the largest nuclear exercises in the country's modern history. The U.S. Air Force said the missile was launched on May 20 from Vandenberg Base in California and traveled about 6,800 kilometers.

The Minuteman III has a maximum range of 13,000 kilometers, allowing it to hit targets on any continent. The U.S. Air Force reported that the launch of the intercontinental ballistic missile was part of a comprehensive test of both the system itself and the training of personnel who maintain U.S. nuclear forces.

Military experts tracked the flight path, evaluating the performance of the engines, guidance system and warhead under extreme stress. U.S. Air Force Global Strike Commander Steven Davis said the tests confirmed the combat readiness of the country's strategic forces and the serviceability of all key components of the LGM-30 Minuteman III missile.

The test launch came a day after Russia began a three-day exercise to practice a nuclear strike "under threat of aggression."

The Russian Defense Ministry said the maneuvers involved more than 64,000 servicemen and over 7,800 pieces of equipment, including strategic submarines, missile systems and aviation. As part of the exercises, the Russian military plans to launch ballistic and cruise missiles at training grounds on the country's territory.