US Missile Test Off California 'Demonstrates Nuclear Force'

The US Air Force has launched a test missile off the coast of California to "demonstrate" its nuclear power.

The unarmed Minuteman 3 intercontinental ballistic missile was launched at a target in the Pacific Ocean.

30th Space Wing commander, Colonel John Moss, said:

"These Minuteman launches are essential to verify the status of our national nuclear force and to demonstrate our national nuclear capabilities.

"We are proud of our long history in partnering with the men and women of the 576th Flight Test Squadron to execute these missions for the nation."

In a Minuteman test, a so-called re-entry vehicle travels more than 4,000 miles downrange to a target in the Marshall Islands.

An Air Force statement said the mission was part of a programme to test the effectiveness, readiness, and accuracy of the weapon system.

The launch took place from Vandenberg Air Force Base, 130 miles north-west of Los Angeles.

It comes after the US began deploying a controversial anti-missile defence system to South Korea amid heightened tensions over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.

Moving parts of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD) to a deployment site sparked protests from South Koreans and has been criticised by the frontrunner in the country's presidential race.

The Pentagon said the deployment was a crucial measure to defend South Korea and its allies against North Korea, but a spokesman for Moon Jae-in said it:

"Ignored public opinion and due process."

He has demanded the deployment be suspended until the next administration is in place and has made its policy decision, but Washington said it will complete it "as soon as feasible".

China is concerned that the system's powerful radar will be able to penetrate its territory and undermine its security, although South Korea and the US say its sole purpose is to defend against North Korean missiles.