The United States successfully tested the SM-3 Block IIA anti-missile system: it destroyed a target that mimicked an Intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). This opens up new opportunities for the United States to confront Russia and China.
The US continues to increase its missile defense capabilities. Recently, another important stage was passed: SM-3 Block IIA hit a target that imitated an ICBM. The tests were conducted on November 17, when a target simulating an Intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from the Ronald Reagan test site on Kwajalein Atoll (Marshall Islands).
Tests conducted by the missile defense Agency and the US Navy "achieved their main goal" - proved that the SM-3 Block IIA can withstand threats of this nature.
The tests, officially called Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-44, or FTM-44 (code name-Stellar Lancer), were originally planned for may 2020, but they had to be postponed due to concerns about the coronavirus pandemic.
Sm-3 tests / ©Naval News
The scenario assumed that the ICBM was heading for a target in Hawaii. It was protected by the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Finn (DDG-113). It is equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System — Aegis BMD), a ballistic missile defense system with SM-3 missiles.
Before launching the anti-missile, the destroyer received tracking data via the c2bmc (Command and Control Battle Management Communications) system. The destruction of the target produced by the method of kinetic interception: that is, by directly hitting the target, without using a dedicated warhead.
Despite the formal success of the tests, the Americans have yet to analyze their results in detail, making final conclusions.
SM-3
Image source: thedrive
Recall that back in 2017, the United States conducted successful tests of the GBI (Ground Based Interceptor) anti-missile system. The complex was able to perform kinetic interception of an Intercontinental ballistic missile simulator, which was an important stage on the way to creating a new generation of anti-missile defense system.
Recently, Russia tested a new missile DEFENSE system. The Ministry of defense posted the corresponding video. The site of the tests was the Sary-Shagan test site in Kazakhstan: the product successfully hit the target simulator. According to the defense Department, the tests proved that the capabilities of the complex initially included in its characteristics.