The US military is choosing today of all days to test a hypersonic nuclear missile as election results roll in.
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile is set to blast off after all of the ballots are scheduled to close between 11pm and 5am PT.
Military officials have insisted the ‘test is routine and was scheduled years in advance’ and they are ready to show the ‘readiness of nuclear US forces’.
The missile will travel 4,000 miles from California’s Vandenberg Space Force to Kwajalein Atoll, a small island in the North pacific.
It can reach speeds of more than 15,000 miles per hour, allowing it to hit any target in a 30 minute time frame.
Col. Bryan Titus, Space Launch Delta 30 vice commander, said: ‘This test launch marks the start of a remarkable week for our Guardians and Airmen at Vandenberg, with two test launches scheduled from the Western Range.
‘These tests hold immense significance, not only for our nation’s defense but also serve as a pivotal moment in showcasing the exceptional capabilities and expertise of our dedicated team.’
It comes as US citizens return from casting their votes, with national security being a major deciding factor for many of the electorate.
Russia has already been accused of orchestrating bomb threats at polling stations across the US.
Poll workers have been given panic buttons, special weapons teams have been deployed on rooftops and hundreds of National Guard personnel have been placed on standby.
Some states still have hours to go before their polls close and the votes can be counted, but much of the east coast has been called.
Often a clear winner is known within hours of the polls closing but it can also take days – even weeks – for an official tally to be released, as each state is left to carry out their counting procedures.
Candidates must pass the 270 electoral college votes required to win, which can take longer to achieve in a close race.
And even then, results may not be finalised for weeks – or even months.
This was the case in the last US election, in 2020, when Biden wasn’t able to declare victory until November 7, four days after election day and after he won key swing state Pennsylvania.
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