An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches through the fog during an operational test at 1:46 a.m. Pacific Time at Vandenberg Space Force base, California, 6 June 2024.U.S. Space Force photo by Senior Airman Ryan QuijasThe US conducted two intercontinental ballistic missile tests this week.The missiles were unarmed and not in reaction to current world events, the Air Force said.The Minuteman III missiles are slated to be replaced in the 2030s.Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read previewThe US conducted back-to-back intercontinental ballistic missile tests this week to ensure the silo-based leg of the US nuclear triad is working as it should.The tests of the Minuteman III demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon, Air Force Global Strike Command said, as work on the next ICBM continues amid budget issues and delays.The first missile test occurred on June 4 at 12:56am Pacific Time at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, where “a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen supported by Space Force Guardians launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with one re-entry vehicle,” AFGSC said.The test, it added, was part of “routine and periodic activities” demonstrating the readiness and effectiveness of the US’ nuclear deterrent. “Such tests have occurred over 300 times before, and this test is not the result of current world events,” the command said.The second test was carried out on June 6 at 1:46am Pacific Time and was also at Vandenberg.”The fact that we were able to complete two operational test launches in one week is a testimony to the excellence and professionalism of the Airmen and Guardians who do this mission every day,” said Col. Chris Cruise, 377th Test and Evaluation Group Commander. “This morning’s launch demonstrates our commitment to deterrence as we serve as the cornerstone of security for our allies and partners across the globe.”In both cases, the Minuteman III traveled around 4,200 miles to the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command’s Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on the U.S. Army Garrison-Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.