US tests Aegis BMD Combat System
The US Navy’s USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, has successfully used Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Baseline 9 terminal engagement capability to detect and track a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target under the Flight Test Other-21 (FTX-21) test, Lockheed Martin announced on 19 May.
Baseline 9 is the latest evolution of the Aegis Combat System, certified in January 2016 by the navy and Missile Defense Agency. This latest Aegis Baseline provides integration with external ship systems and advanced defence capabilities.
It is fitted with the BMD 5.0 Capability Upgrade to engage ballistic missiles from the lower and upper atmosphere. It also has the SPY-1 naval phased array radar for advanced anti-air warfare, surveillance and missile defence capabilities.
Paul Klammer, director of Aegis BMD at Lockheed Martin, said: ‘This complex test demonstrates the continuing evolution of Aegis and builds further confidence in our ability to detect and maintain tracking on these types of threats.
‘The Navy and Missile Defense Agency, along with our engineers, build on the lessons learned from every test to ensure Aegis is keeping pace with dynamic threats.’
The tests build on the system's successful tests in 2015, when it demonstrated its Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities and three Baseline 9 variants were certified.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
-
![UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration]()
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.
