The U.S. military said the launch was a scheduled test designated GT 256. A press release stated that the test “was planned years in advance and is not a response to current world events.”
“Our ability to conduct such rigorous and realistic tests is fundamental to our national security. This launch confirms the reliability and readiness of our intercontinental ballistic missiles,” U.S. Army Gen. S. L. Davis said.
The Air Force said engineers were tracking the missile’s flight path to evaluate its performance, while also testing guidance systems and the survivability of the warhead under extreme conditions.
According to the military, the launch confirmed the system’s accuracy, ensuring that the warhead can be delivered to its target “with pinpoint precision.”
Davis said the missile test launch was the culmination of extensive preparation and added that the Air Force “has always been and will always remain ready.”
The launch came one day after Russia began three-day drills simulating a nuclear strike “under conditions of a threat of aggression.”
Russia’s Defense Ministry said the exercises involve more than 64,000 troops and over 7,800 pieces of equipment, including strategic submarines, missile systems and aircraft. During the drills, Russian forces plan to conduct ballistic and cruise missile launches at targets inside the country.
The Russian Defense Ministry also announced joint exercises with the Belarusian military involving the use of Russian nuclear weapons deployed in Belarus.
In a recent report, the Institute for the Study of War said Russia had abruptly announced the May 19-21 nuclear exercises in order to “demonstrate strength” to Ukraine’s allies and divert attention from the occupiers’ growing battlefield problems.