MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Each launch of the US Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) contributes to the development of the new-generation strategic missile system known as Sentinel, according to Yevgeny Babichev, an expert in military cosmonautics who spoke with TASS.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of the Minuteman III ICBM from the US Space Force's Vandenberg base in California.
Babichev noted that there have been approximately 300 such launches to date. While there is nothing particularly novel about this recent launch, the statements made by US officials regarding it warrant attention.
"They (American officers - TASS) specify that the data collected and analyzed by the US military is crucial for maintaining the Minuteman III. Simultaneously, they are paving the way for Sentinel - the next-generation US strategic ICBM. It is also important to recognize that each launch, even of a serially built missile, is termed a test launch for a reason; it may test certain technologies and components for advanced weapon systems," the expert explained.
He emphasized that the US is actively pursuing the systematic development of a new-generation intercontinental-range missile system. The launch on Wednesday is intended to ensure the combat readiness of the US strategic nuclear capability amid prolonged delays in the development of the new system.
The US statement also indicated that Washington had notified Russia in advance of the launch. Babichev pointed out that Russia and the US continue to exchange notifications regarding ICBM and submarine-launched ballistic missile launches.
"For the US administration that took office this year, this launch was the first. It is routine work and not particularly significant in terms of international relations. Therefore, it should not be viewed as a destabilizing factor between Russia and the US," the expert stressed.
He added that the Minuteman III has been in service since 1970. "This missile is 55 years old and cannot be considered a competitor to our heavy systems currently in operation with the Strategic Missile Forces. Its counterpart is our decommissioned Topol system," Babichev concluded.