In his words, the "prescheduled operational test launch of a US Air Force Global Strike Command unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is scheduled from North Vandenberg Space Force Base, California," TASS reported.

He added that the launch is intended to showcase "the redundancy and reliability of our strategic deterrence system," while sending "a visible message of assurance" to US allies.

It will be the fourth Minuteman III test this year, following launches in February, April and September.