US test launches hypersonic nuclear missile capable of reaching Moscow in 30 minutes amid rising threats of WW3

The US military has conducted a test launch of a hypersonic nuclear missile which is designed to counter the rising military threat of China and Russia. 

Military officials said the purpose of the test was to show the 'readiness of nuclear US forces' and provide 'confidence in the nation's nuclear deterrence' amid fears of the growing threat of the outbreak of World War III.

The demonstration saw an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) blasted off at 12:56am PT from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The weapon traveled more than 4,000 miles at speeds over 15,000 miles per hour to a test range on the Marshall Islands in the central Pacific Ocean.

'This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,' said Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, was the launch decision authority.

'These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation's defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.'

The missile is capable of reaching any target across the world in just 30 minutes after launch, Air Force Technology reports. 

Moscow sits about 5,900 miles from California, while Beijing is about 6,000 miles away - the two nations deemed a threat to the US.

ICBM is one of two currently used by America - the other is submarine launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) that are deployed from underwater submarines.

However, the US's Titan topped speeds of 16,000mph when it was used from 1963 through 1987.

Titan was capable of traveling to a target more than 6,000 miles away in less than 30 minutes.

But the missile was phased out to make way for more advanced systems such as the MX Peacekeeper that had a similar speed and distance.

ICBM is a vital component of the US military's nuclear forces, capable of delivering a nuclear payload to targets around the world, but is scheduled to be phased out by 2029 and replaced with the LGM-35A Sentinel ICBM.

The US Air Force said that 'the Sentinel weapon system is the most cost-effective option for maintaining a safe, secure, and effective land-based leg of the nuclear triad and would extend its capabilities through 2075.'

The upcoming weapon will replace the 400 Minuteman III ICBMs currently in service for more than 50 years in Air Force missile fields at F.E. Warren Air Force Base (AFB), Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.

Tuesday's demonstration was also the first of two test launches schedule for this week - the next is set for Thursday. 

Vandenberg Space Force Base is home to Air Force Global Strike Command's 576th Flight Test Squadron, which is the only dedicated ICMB test squadron in the US. 

'This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range,' stated Titus. 

'These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation's defense, but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.' 

While officials said the launch was nothing more than a test of the weapon, it came less than one week after Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev warned that the invasion of Ukraine may end up in a nuclear disaster.

The statement, given on May 31, was as result of President Joe Biden lifting restrictions on Ukraine using American weapons for direct attacks on Russian soil.

And days before, Marines from the US and the Philippines carried out ominous war games on small islands a short distance from Taiwan in preparation of going to battle with China.

However, officials have said that such tests are not linked to world news, but are routine launches to ensure capabilities are up to standard.