Missile Defense Agency Conducts Successful Missile Intercept From Guam

The Missile Defense Agency, on Tuesday, conducted a live intercept of a ballistic missile target from Guam, the Pentagon has announced.

Partnering with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and other Defense Department partners, MDA's Guam test represented the first ballistic missile defense test executed from that U.S. territory, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told the media today.

"During the test, the Aegis Guam System intercepted an air-launched medium range ballistic missile targeted off the coast of Guam," Singh said.

The test entailed the Aegis Guam System integrating with a specialized radar and vertical launching system. That integrated system fired a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA, which intercepted an air-launched medium range ballistic missile target off the coast of Guam's Andersen Air Force Base, according to an MDA press release.  

"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 systems," Singh said.

The test, which MDA designated as Flight Experiment Mission-02, supported "the overall concept, requirements validation, data-gathering and model maturation for the future Guam Defense System," according to the release.

"This is a tremendous group effort and provides a glimpse of how organizations within the [department] have come together to defend our homeland Guam now and, in the future," MDA Director, Air Force Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, is quoted in the release.

"Collectively," the quote continues, "we will use this to build upon and validate joint tracking architecture and integrated air and missile defense capabilities for Guam. Thanks to all of those involved, especially the people and government of Guam."

"Today's flight test is a critical milestone in the defense of Guam and the region," Commander, Joint Task Force-Micronesia Navy Rear Adm. Greg Huffman, is quoted in the release.

"It confirmed our ability to detect, track and engage a target missile in flight, increasing our readiness to defend against evolving adversary threats. The event's success is a testament to the incredible work of the team both within the DOD and the government of Guam," he added.

Originally proposed by MDA in early June, the flight test underwent an extensive environmental assessment/overseas environmental assessment before being approved.  

MDA's proposed action going forward is to conduct up to two flight tests or tracking exercises, per year, over the next 10 years, according to MDA's website.