Success for ballistic missile interceptor test firing from Guam
The test took place on 10 December. (Photo: MDA)
The US is increasing its focus on the Indo-Pacific region with multinational partnerships and increased capability such as boosting the defence of Guam.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and partners including Lockheed Martin has successfully intercepted a ballistic missile in a test from Guam using a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA integrated with AN/TPY-6 radar and Vertical Launching System.
The interceptor was fired from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam with an AN/TPY-6 radar tracking the air-launched medium-range ballistic missile from shortly after launch to intercept. It was the first end-to-end tracking use of the radar during a live ballistic missile flight test.
Results of the test will be used to build upon and validate joint tracking architecture and integrated air and missile defence as well as requirements validation, data-gathering and model maturation.
Designated Flight Experiment Mission-02, it is regarded by the MDA as “a pivotal step in defence of Guam initiatives and partnerships and provides critical support to the overall concept … for the future Guam Defense System”.
RAdm Greg Huffman, Commander of Joint Task Force-Micronesia, said: “It confirmed our ability to detect, track, and engage a target missile in flight, increasing our readiness to defend against evolving adversary threats.”
Lockheed Martin noted in a statement on the test: “This test provided DoD a better understanding of the missile defence system’s ability to counter threats in a realistic environment.
“The preliminary analysis indicates a significant step forward in the MDA’s efforts to protect the US and its allies from emerging missile threats.”
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward]()
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
