The United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced that, in collaboration with the Navy and Australian naval assets, the successful interception of a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) Test Missile was carried out by launching an SM-6 Dual II missile equipped with a new software upgrade.
The purpose of this test, known as Flight Test Aegis Weapon System (FTM) 32, was to evaluate the detection, tracking, attack, and interception capabilities of the MRBM during the final flight phases. This was achieved through an interception from the USS Preble (DDG 88) destroyer equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9.C2 system. The test target was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility located in Kauai, Hawaii.
Authorities highlighted that FTM-32 was the seventh SM-6 flight test against ballistic missile targets and the fourth test using the Dual II (Block IA) configuration.
Taking into account the aforementioned and referring to the ongoing activity, MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins stated: “This successful interception against a representative threat target in the final stages of flight demonstrated the power and flexibility of the Aegis Weapon System paired with the Standard Missile-6 (…) MDA is very grateful and honored by Australia’s participation in this important test and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in the future as we work alongside all our allies to maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.”
Australia’s participation in the tests involved a demonstration of the capabilities of the ANZAC-class frigate “HMAS Stuart”, along with an E-7 Wedgetail aircraft that assisted in data collection and communications. Similarly, allied interoperability was worked on, utilizing Australian sensors for target tracking in support of a simulated combat. This activity represented the largest australian participation in an Aegis test to date and was supported by the first Arleigh Burke Flight III-class destroyer equipped with the SPY-6 radar, the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), which was involved in the event through its initial operational testing and evaluation campaign.
Furthermore, emphasizing the above, Chief of Joint Operations of the Australian Defence Force, Lieutenant General Greg Bilton, AO CSC, stated: “It has been a unique opportunity to closely collaborate with the MDA and the United States Navy, who have tested the Aegis weapon system’s capability to detect, track, and defend against short and medium-range ballistic missiles, while we simultaneously observed the performance of our own systems (…) It is a great example of deepening our defense commitment with the United States and an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the interoperability of the Australian Defence Force with the U.S. Navy.”
The SM-6 is a missile with the capability to be used in air defense missions against various types of aircraft and ballistic missiles, maintaining a range extending from 240 to 460 kilometers. It is notable for providing naval forces with advantages in confined spaces. The Block I version was originally developed as an anti-air warfare weapon intended to counter anti-ship cruise missile threats and manned aircraft, but was later upgraded by the United States Navy to encompass a wider range of threats.
Regarding other recent relevant developments for the SM-6, it is noteworthy that in November 2023, the U.S. government authorized the potential sale of 38 SM-6 Block I missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of USD 650 million to equip new destroyers of South Korea’s Navy.
Images from: MDA.
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