By Admin 
Minuteman-3 Intercontinental Ballistic Missile is still considered the most important and deadly weapon in America’s nuclear weapons program. This missile is the basis of America’s strategic power, whose reach, speed and warhead capability make it a serious threat to any modern country. The basic manufacturing cost (unit cost) of Minuteman 3 missile is approximately 70 lakh dollars (approximately Rs 58 crore).
Minuteman-3 is a ground-based ICBM, which was developed by Boeing Defense. This missile is considered the backbone of American strategic forces, which gives America the ability to respond immediately in any major international crisis. It is launched from an underground silo and can take off in a few minutes.
Range over 10,000 kilometers
The biggest strength of this missile is its long range. It can fly thousands of kilometers without stopping and reach countries which are located in the opposite direction from America. Due to this capability, it is considered a major strategic missile with reach to Russia, China, Middle East and Asia.
The speed is so fast that it is almost impossible to stop.
The speed of Minuteman-3 is said to be around Mach 20, which is around 24,000 km per hour. Once a missile takes flight, it becomes almost impossible for air-defense systems with current technology to intercept it. This is why it is counted among the world’s fastest and deadliest ICBMs.
One missile, three nuclear strikes – MIRV technology
The real power of Minuteman-3 lies in its multi-warhead system. This missile is equipped with MIRV technology, due to which three nuclear warheads can be installed in a single missile. During flight, these three warheads can move in different directions and destroy the target. Due to this, its destructive power increases manifold.
Quick launch capability with solid fuel technology
This missile has three-stage solid-fuel rocket motors. The advantage of this technology is that the missile can be launched immediately without any delay. Solid fuel also provides stable flight and greater speed to the missile, making it an accurate target even at long ranges.
Missile price and America’s stock
The estimated cost of one Minuteman-3 missile is considered to be around 7 million dollars, which is approximately Rs 58 crore in Indian currency. At present, America has about 530 active units, which are kept safe in various missile silos.
Why is it called Doomsday Missile?
Minuteman-3 is considered so dangerous because its speed, range, accuracy and multi-warhead capability can challenge the security system of any country. It can cross the continent in minutes and target many big cities simultaneously. This is why experts often call it “Doomsday Missile”.
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