ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

The US just shot off another ground-launched cruise missile, the 2nd since a key arms control pact with Russia collapsed

The US tested a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile Thursday morning at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

On Aug. 18, at 2:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time, the Defense Department conducted a flight test of a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile at San Nicolas Island, Calif.
  • The test reportedly saw the missile fly over 500 kilometers and is the second test of such a missile since the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty collapsed this summer.
  • Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has called the development of intermediate-range weapons a "prudent response" to Russia, as well as a necessary capability given the capabilities of China's missile force.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .

The US conducted its second flight test of a missile that would have been banned under the restrictions of a now-defunct arms control agreement with Russia, Air Force officials told Insider on Thursday.

The US military tested a conventionally configured ground-launched cruise missile (GLCM) Thursday morning at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.

"We are currently evaluating the results of the test," officials told Insider.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thursday's missile launch marks the second such test since the US formally withdrew from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in August in response to alleged Russian violations of the 1987 agreement.

The first post-INF Treaty test was conducted in mid-August, when a conventional GLCM "exited its ground mobile launcher and accurately impacted its target after more than 500 kilometers of flight," the Pentagon said at the time.

Reuters reports that Thursday's test saw the missile travel over 500 kilometers as well.

The INF treaty prohibited the US and Russia from developing, testing, and fielding missiles with intermediate ranges, ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers (300 to 3,400 miles). Earlier this year, the US accused Russia of violating the accord with its Novator 9M729 missile, a weapon NATO refers to as SSC-8.

Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has said that the "Department of Defense will fully pursue the development of these ground-launched conventional missiles," calling efforts to develop ground-launched intermediate-range missile capabilities a "prudent response to Russia's actions."

ADVERTISEMENT

Esper has also indicated that the US is looking at the development of these weapon systems to counter China.

"Eighty percent plus of their [missile] inventory is intermediate-range systems," the secretary has said, adding that it "shouldn't surprise [China] that we would want to have a like capability."

See Also:

ADVERTISEMENT

SEE ALSO: The US Navy brags it has 7 carriers at sea half the fleet was stuck pier-side over a month ago

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

Here's everything to know about being a virgin on your wedding night

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

7 do's and don’ts of the Holy month of Ramadan

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

Top 5 sweetest celebrity mother-child relationships that stand out for us

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

International Women's Day: 5 Nigerian female celebrities championing women’s rights

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

Top 5 female directors in Nollywood

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

6 things that will break a Muslim's fast during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 benefits of fasting during Ramadan

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

5 reasons Easter was more fun when we were children

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

Dos and don’ts of supporting Muslims during Ramadan

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT