In a significant milestone, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and US navy successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target in complex environments as part of Flight Test Other-23 (FTX-23), also known as Stellar Sisyphus.
During the flight test, MDA validated two crucial components to enhance sensor tracking and communication link capabilities of the US navy’s Aegis combat system.
In the first phase of the flight, the Aegis system showcased its ability to track a medium-range ballistic missile with countermeasures using advanced sensors.
In the second phase, the US navy intercepted the target by launching the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block 2A, verifying additional functionality of the interceptor.
The MDA stated that this test demonstrated one of the most complicated target discrimination and intercept missions by the Aegis Weapon System to date.
The agency also released a video showing the test, which involved the launch of a medium-range ballistic missile from a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft and the launch of SM-3 interceptors.
I love US ABM exercises because some involve throwing a ballistic missile out the back of a C-17, with said ballistic missile launching while floating down under a parachute, and then having a US Navy destroyer shoot another missile at it.
(Incredibly rare new footage) pic.twitter.com/RLWw5uG9ku
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) February 9, 2024
In the video, the C-17 dropped the missile with parachutes, and the missile ignited after a few seconds. This marks the first time the United States has clearly shown the launch of a ballistic missile from a C-17.
What is Standard Missile 3 (SM3)?
The Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) is an American ship launched anti-ballistic missile capable of intercepting ballistic missiles during their mid-course phase, protecting US navy warships and the US mainland. The missile uses an Exo-atmospheric Kinetic Kill Vehicle (EKV) to intercept targets at high altitudes above the atmosphere and over long distances.
While the baseline version, SM-3 Block 1A, has a range of around 500 km, the US has not revealed the range of further versions. The latest version, SM-3 Block 2A, features extended range and capabilities, with an estimated range of more than a thousand kilometres.
While originally designed to intercept short to intermediate-range ballistic missiles, the US Navy demonstrated SM-3 Block 2A’s ability to shoot down an ICBM in a test conducted in 2020.
Complexity in latest test
Ballistic missiles with a range between 1000 km to 3000 km are classified as Medium Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs).
Some advanced ballistic missiles use countermeasures to defeat missile defence systems as they are harder to track in space. It’s common that intercepting a ballistic missile in the terminal phase is much harder than intercepting at high altitudes above the atmosphere as they accelerate to extreme hypersonic speeds in the terminal phase.
To defeat interceptors in space, ballistic missiles use countermeasures such as decoys to confuse radars.
The latest test involves tracking a medium-range ballistic missile with countermeasures using a range of sensors from different angles, including ground-based radars and space-based sensors, to discriminate between threats and non-threats. The interception of the threat is then carried out with the highly sophisticated Standard Missile 3.
Evolving threats to the US
In the last few months, US navy ships intercepted many anti-ship ballistic missiles, as well as cruise missiles and drones, in the Red Sea launched by Houthi militants.
Furthermore, the highly armed military group launched several medium-range ballistic missiles towards Israel, but the Israeli Arrow system successfully intercepted these threats in the Red Sea.
While the US Navy has demonstrated its ability to shoot down less advanced missiles in the Red Sea in real combat scenarios, the threat of anti-ship ballistic missiles to the US Navy from China is increasing in numbers and complexity.
In the last few years, China has deployed significant numbers of DF-21D anti-ship ballistic missiles in coastal areas. The DF-21D is a medium-range ballistic missile equipped with advanced technologies designed to target moving aircraft carriers at a distance of around 1500 km.
In addition to the DF-21D, China has also deployed its intermediate-range DF-26 missile, with an estimated range of 4000 km, capable of targeting Guam. According to some reports, the DF-26 can also target aircraft carriers at a distance of 3000 km.
These ballistic missiles pose a significant threat to both the US Navy and US military bases in the Pacific region.
Conclusion
The demonstration by the US navy underscores its readiness to effectively neutralise incoming ballistic missiles, even those equipped with advanced countermeasures. This capability serves as a crucial deterrent against the evolving threats posed by Chinese ballistic missiles, ensuring the protection of US interests and military assets in the Pacific region.
