Vandenberg AFB tests prototype ballistic missile unannounced
DEC. 12, 2019–Earlier this morning the Department of Defense released a statement confirming that they had successfully tested a “prototype conventionally-configured ground-launched ballistic missile” at 8:30 am this morning.
This missile is most likely an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), as flight terminated 500 kilometers down range in open ocean. It is currently unknown what missile this is, but assumption is that it is a prototype.
The launch occurred from Test Pad 01 (TP-01), which is classified as an active test pad. It was used for LGM-118 Peacekeeper missiles in 1983, along with the MGM-134 Midgetman Small-ICBM. It is also a candidate for Ground Based Interceptor launches.
The test was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Air Force and the Strategic Capabilities Office. The DoD press release can be found here.
