In a first-of-its-kind dual missile defense test, two Raytheon-built Standard Missile-3s, fired from a U.S. Navy ship, simultaneously intercepted and destroyed two short-range ballistic missile targets in space, Nov. 6. This was the first time a Navy ship demonstrated simultaneous engagements against ballistic missile targets outside the earth's atmosphere. These were the 10th and 11th successful intercepts for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense weapon system's SM-3.
The crew of the guided missile cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70) fired both SM-3 Block IA intercepting missiles, while personnel at the Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai launched the ballistic missile targets.
"These successful intercepts add to SM-3's impressive flight test record and are a clear demonstration of Raytheon's commitment to Mission Assurance," said Frank Wyatt, Raytheon's vice president of Naval Weapon Systems. "SM-3 plays a vital role in protecting our nation against the threat of ballistic missiles."
SM-3 is being developed as part of the Missile Defense Agency's sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System. The missiles will be deployed on Aegis cruisers and destroyers to defend against short-to-intermediate range ballistic missile threats in the midcourse phase of flight. Raytheon also is developing the kinetic warhead for SM-3.
