Military flight tests components of Aegis Ashore

WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- Components of the Aegis Ashore anti-ballistic missile system have successfully undergone a first flight test, according to the Department of Defense.

In the test Tuesday at a facility in Hawaii a simulated ballistic missile target was acquired, tracked, and engaged by the weapon system, which fired a Standard Missile-3 from a vertical launch system.

The primary purpose of the test -- designated Aegis Ashore Controlled Test Vehicle-01 -- was to confirm the functioning of the Aegis Ashore's fire control and engagement systems. It was conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy.

"This flight test supports development of the Aegis Ashore capability of Phase 2 of the European Phased Adaptive Approach, planned to begin operations in Romania in 2015," the Pentagon said.

Aegis, part of U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense, enables warships to shoot down short to intermediate range enemy ballistic missiles. Aegis Ashore is a land-based variant of the system, which will soon be deployed.

Additional details of the test on Tuesday were not disclosed.