Missile Defence Agency conducted a ballistic missile interception test from Guam for the first time with an SM-3 Block IIA anti-ballistic missile.
U.S. Missile Defence Agency (MDA) announced the test, stating that AN/TPY-6 radar and SM-3 Block IIA were used to intercept a ballistic missile target.
AN/TPY-6 is based on the AN/SPY-7 radar used by warships to search for and track airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and aircraft. Due to its size, AN/TPY-6 operates from a fixed facility in Guam.
SM-3 Block IIA is the latest shipborne anti-ballistic missile family variant with limited interception capability against ICBMs. The U.S. and Japan jointly developed it. Block IIA features a larger second-stage rocket motor and an improved exo-atmospheric kill vehicle compared to previous variants.
The new missile defence settlement in Guam is part of the new policy of strengthening the U.S. presence in Asia-Pacific, alongside expanded military support to the ROK and Japan (for both the equipment and defence industry).
MDA Conducts Ballistic Missile Interception from Guam
