Revolutionary Standard Missile-3 Triumphs in Groundbreaking First Intercept Trial

U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency Achieve Major Milestone

The U.S. Navy, in collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), has successfully conducted its inaugural intercept flight test of the Raytheon Company’s Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA. This advanced defense weapon is specifically engineered to counteract short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.

During the test, crew members aboard the USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) launched the SM-3 Block IIA, successfully engaging and neutralizing a land-launched target that simulated a sophisticated ballistic missile threat.

Dr. Taylor W. Lawrence, president of Raytheon Missile Systems, remarked, “The SM-3 Block IIA program showcases MDA’s dedication to advancing regional ballistic missile defense capabilities, ensuring the protection of our nation, its deployed forces, and our allies around the globe. This successful test reinforces our timeline for deployment at both sea and land by 2018, building on Raytheon’s unparalleled fifteen-year legacy of exo-atmospheric intercepts.”

The main goal of this test was to achieve a successful intercept. The mission also aimed to assess crucial missile system performance aspects, including the functionality of the kinetic warhead, the divert and attitude control system, nosecone performance, as well as the operations of the booster and rocket motors during separation stages.

The interceptor’s kinetic warhead has been upgraded to effectively tackle emerging and advanced threats, featuring enhancements in search, discrimination, acquisition, and tracking capabilities. The combination of the kinetic warhead with larger rocket motors empowers the SM-3 Block IIA to engage more complex threats, thereby safeguarding expansive regions from short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile challenges and providing increased operational flexibility.

The SM-3 Block IIA underwent two previous successful test demonstrations, both conducted without target intercepts, to thoroughly evaluate missile performance during flight and prepare for this crucial intercept test. Upcoming flight tests will continue to assess system performance, paving the way for the anticipated 2018 deployment as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach Phase 3.

Key Features of the Standard Missile-3

• SM-3s intercept incoming ballistic missiles in space through direct impact, akin to a 10-ton truck traveling at 600 mph.
• SM-3 Block IB is currently operational at sea and ashore in Romania.
• SM-3 Block IIA is scheduled for deployment at both sea and land by 2018.