The US Air Force has launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) equipped with a test re-entry vehicle from Vandenberg AFB, California, the air force announced on 1 May.
The test launch was conducted by the Air Force Global Strike Command from the 90th Missile Wing at FE Warren AFB, Wyoming.
During the test the ICBM re-entry vehicle, which contained a high-fidelity package used for operational testing, travelled approximately 4,200 miles to the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The test launches verify the accuracy of the ICBM weapon system, providing valuable data to ensure a continued secure and effective nuclear deterrent.
The data collected from test launches will be used by the US Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and US Strategic Command for continuing force development evaluation.
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
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