US Conducts Ballistic Missile Intercept From Guam For The First Time
MDA: "The purpose of the Proposed Action is to validate the interoperability of multiple sensors and interceptor systems that could become part of a missile defense system developed to protect Guam
INDO-PACIFIC - The United States carried out a successful live intercept of a ballistic missile target on December 10th, marking the first ballistic missile defense test carried out from Guam, and issued a Proposed Action to carried out up to two flight tests or tracking exercises per year over a 10-year period.
According to the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), "The purpose of the Proposed Action is to validate the interoperability of multiple sensors and interceptor systems that could become part of a missile defense system developed to protect Guam."
A statement by the MDA on the recent test said, "During the flight experiment, the Aegis Guam System integrated with the new AN/TPY-6 radar and Vertical Launching System, fired a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA which intercepted an air-launched Medium Range Ballistic Missile target off the coast of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. 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."
Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said during a briefing, "Earlier this week, the Missile Defense Agency, in cooperation with INDOPACOM and other DOD partners, successfully conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target, marking the first ballistic missile defense test executed from Guam. During the test, the Aegis Guam System intercepted an air launched medium range ballistic missile target off the coast of Guam."
She added, "The event marked a pivotal step taken in the defense of Guam and provides critical support to the overall concept for the future Guam defense system".