The United States Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) conducted a successful test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in February 2025. The missile traveled more than 6,700 kilometers to a predetermined target in the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
The launch was part of routine test to ensure the Minuteman III, a cornerstone of the U.S. nuclear triad since the 1970s, remains a credible deterrent against potential adversaries. The missile’s performance during the test confirmed that it continues to meet the standards required for national security.
The U.S. government provided advanced notification to Russia about the launch. Given the consequences of accidental escalation, the U.S. abides by several international treaties and norms related to nuclear weapons.
In accordance with the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC), the U.S. alerts other nations, particularly nuclear-armed states, when planning missile tests to maintain strategic stability and prevent miscalculations or misunderstandings that could lead to unintended escalation. This practice is rooted in transparency and trust-building measures designed to foster a sense of predictability and reduce the risk of conflicts.
Transparency and advance notifications help maintain a predictable and stable strategic environment. If a nation were to conduct missile tests without informing other nations, it could undermine mutual trust and confidence.
Another agreement that governs the notification of missile tests is the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START), which Russia and the United States extended in 2021. This treaty limits the number of deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems, and it includes provisions for mutual inspections, data exchanges, and advance notifications of ballistic missile launches.
The U.S. also complies with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. As part of its obligations under the NPT, the U.S. has committed to reducing its nuclear arsenal and engaging in arms control negotiations with other nuclear-armed states. This commitment to non-proliferation and disarmament helps build trust among nations and contributes to global security by reducing the number of nuclear weapons in the world.
Extended deterrence commitments by the U.S. provide security guarantees to Allies in Europe and the Indo-Pacific, deterring potential adversaries. The credibility of the U.S. nuclear arsenal, combined with its adherence to international laws and norms, strengthens its role as a reliable partner, ensuring regional stability and preventing the further spread of nuclear weapons.