A US Navy warship intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile using software-upgraded SM-6 missiles in a recent trial.
The test, conducted in cooperation with the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), aimed to demonstrate the capability of the USS Daniel Inouye in detecting, tracking, and engaging a medium-range ballistic missile target.
The ballistic missile defense ship used the latest SM-6 (Standard Missile-6) Dual II weapon system configuration and launched two interceptors in a single salvo.
The target was intercepted in its terminal phase of flight, according to a US Navy press release.
“This was an incredible accomplishment and key milestone for the sea-based defense program,” MDA Director Vice Adm. Jon Hill said. “My congratulations to the entire test team, including our sailors and our industry partners, who helped us to achieve this milestone.”
‘A Critical Step’
The demonstration at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii was the latest drill in which SM-6 Dual II missiles were used to intercept ballistic missile targets.
In 2021, the weapons also tracked and intercepted targets but did not fully meet the trial’s objectives.
The latest test reportedly integrated some adjustments made from data gathered in the first live-fire drills.
It “proved our capabilities in an operationally realistic scenario, which is a critical step in increasing capability to outpace emerging threats,” according to Hill.
Additionally, the test showcased the SM-6’s over-the-horizon air defense capability to support anti-air warfare, ballistic missile defense, and anti-surface warfare missions.
