The U.S. military has tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. This is the second test in less than a month after the previous launch was postponed twice.

Washington announced the test in advance. The unusual move was apparently aimed at preventing an escalation of tensions with Russia, AFP noted.

U.S. Air Force Command pilots launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile equipped with three test warheads in the early hours of Sept. 7 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the U.S. Air Force said in a statement.

The warheads would be armed with nuclear warheads in the event of a conflict.

This test launch is part of a routine and periodic activity designed to demonstrate that the United States' nuclear deterrent is safe, secure and effective, the statement said.

On Aug. 16, the U.S. Air Force successfully launched the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile after postponing the test twice to avoid inflaming tensions around Ukraine and Taiwan.

The Minuteman III has been in service for 50 years and is currently the only land-based intercontinental ballistic missile in the U.S. nuclear arsenal. The missiles are housed in silos at three U.S. military bases in Wyoming, North Dakota and Montana.

The U.S. arsenal also includes Trident submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic bomber nuclear weapons.