US Navy tests Aegis combat system for hypersonic missile defence
Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Pinckney. (Photo: US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sean Lynch)
The US Navy sent an Arleigh Burke destroyer to Hawaii late in March to conduct tests on the vessel’s ability to track and respond to hypersonic missile threats.
The test involved a simulated Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptor and an MRBM modified with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV-1) front end. No actual missiles were fired during the tests, however.
Arleigh Burke destroyer DDG 91, the USS Pinckney, was chosen to undergo the test, which was designated “Stellar Banshee”.
The Missile Defense Agency (MDA), the US Navy, and Lockheed Martin came together to conduct the test, ensuring both the verisimilitude of
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
-
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.