AEGIS BMD test

On Thursday, June 5, the United States successfully conducted a flight test of the sea-based AEGIS Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) element. This test was undertaken jointly by the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Navy off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii. Two interceptor missiles were used to take down the Scud-like SRBM in the final phase of its flight.

To increase the reality-level the crew of the USS Lake Erie, that was tasked to intercept the missile, was told only that the target missile would be fired sometime in the morning. The successful outcome made the skipper say: “I am suffering from post-shot euphoria.” We have to wait for the next test to see if he can be equally euphoric if only one interceptor is used to take down one missile.

The success was seen as a proof that Navy ships are capable of shooting down short-range targets in their last phase of flight using modified missiles the service already has, the military said. Originally the AEGIS system was designed as the sea-based midcourse component of the BMD systems. In 2006, the program's role was expanded to include a sea-based terminal defense effort. Rear Admiral Hicks, director of the AEGIS BMD program, said that over the next 20 months, the military plans to install terminal-phase missile interception capability on all 18 Navy ships equipped with AEGIS BMD.

Here is a brief summary for those of you who love PentagonTV:



In case you are not satisfied with the information provided there, then take a look at CBC’s Rick Mercer explaining “Ballistic Missile Defense in 30 seconds”.