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An Aegis Ashore-launched missile interceptor has successfully completed a live fire test to track and destroy an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) target.
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The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and US Navy completed the mission while manning the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex (AAMDTC) at Kauai, Hawaii, with the IRBM air-launched by a US Air Force C-17 "thousands of miles south-west of the Aegis Ashore test site".
MDA director Lieutenant General Sam Greaves said the successful interception proved the capability of the Aegis System.
"Today's successful flight test demonstrated the effectiveness of the European Phased Adaptive Approach Phase 3 architecture. It also was of great significance to the future of multi-domain missile defence operations and supports a critical initial production acquisition milestone for the SM-3 Block IIA missile program," said Lt. Gen. Greaves.
"This system is designed to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends from a real and growing ballistic missile threat. I offer my congratulations to all members of the team, military, civilian, contractors and allies who helped make this possible."
The command system is developed by Lockheed Martin and builds upon the successful USS John Finn (DDG-113) FTM-45 test in October that showed off the integrated capabilities of the Aegis system.
"This test authenticates the strengthening global security of the US and its allies as we deepen the defence capabilities with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System," said Paul Klammer, director, Lockheed Martin Aegis BMD.
"This exercise showed that Aegis is the most advanced combat system and the proven choice for a layered defence."
The Aegis Ashore test site launched a SM-3 Block IIA Interceptor leveraging a ground, air and space-based sensor/command and control architecture linked by the Command and Control, Battle Management, and Communications suite.
