Aegis STSS-D proves capability

• Tweet

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency reports the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile in a Pacific Ocean test.

The agency said system used in-orbit space tracking and surveillance system-demonstrator data to detect and track the target, which was intercepted by a Standard Missile-3 fired from a U.S. Navy cruiser.

"The ship developed a fire control solution from the STSS-D track and launched the SM-3 Block IA guided missile approximately five minutes after target launch," the agency said. "The SM-3 maneuvered to a point in space and released its kinetic warhead.

"The kinetic warhead acquired the target re-entry vehicle, diverted into its path, and, using only the force of a direct impact, engaged and destroyed the target. Initial indications are that all components performed as designed."

The intercept was the 24th successful intercept in 30 flight tests of the Aegis BMD program since 2002. The Aegis BMD is designed to defeat short- and intermediate-range missiles.