The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) achieved a milestone on Tuesday by successfully intercepting a ballistic missile target during a test off Guam, marking the first-ever demonstration of its kind from the island.
Utilizing the Aegis Guam System integrated with the advanced AN/TPY-6 radar and the Vertical Launching System, the MDA fired a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA. This missile successfully intercepted an air-launched Medium Range Ballistic Missile target near Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, showcasing the system's cutting-edge capabilities.
\"During the flight experiment, the AN/TPY-6 radar tracked the target shortly after launch to intercept in the first end-to-end tracking use of the radar during a live ballistic missile flight test,\" the agency reported in a news release.
This achievement is a significant step forward for the defense of Guam, reinforcing the island's strategic importance in maintaining the United States military presence in the region. The test supports the ongoing development of the future Guam Defense System (GDS), providing essential data and validating requirements for enhanced protection.
Guam's strategic location plays a crucial role in sustaining and maintaining U.S. military initiatives and partnerships in the Pacific. The successful missile intercept test underscores the long-term commitment to Guam's defense, ensuring robust security measures are in place to address emerging threats.
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U.S. conducts first-ever ballistic missile intercept test from Guam
cgtn.com
