The Missile Defense Agency has test-fired a new version of the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, which targeted a separating short-range missile over the Pacific Ocean.
MDAÂ launched two guided Standard Missile-3’s from the USS Lake Erie to intercept the target fired from the Kauai, Hawaii-based Pacific Missile Range Facility, the MDA said Wednesday.
The Aegis-equipped USS Lake Erie detected the missile flying northwest toward the Pacific Ocean using its AN/SPY-1 radar and the first SM-3 Block guided missile destroyed the warhead.
According to MDA, the targets launch times and bearings were unknown prior to the test flight and program officials intend to use telemetry and other test results for evaluation.
This demonstration was the fourth test for SM-3 with Aegis BMD 4.0 and the event marks the first salvo operation in which the guided missiles intercepted a separating target.
Aegis BMD is MDA’s naval component for its ballistic missile defense system.
