U.S. Proves Newest Missile Interceptor Against North Korea and Iran

BARKING SANDS, Kauai, Hawaii, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org, attended the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) Block IB intercept test FTM-19.

The SM-3 Block IB was launched from the Aegis cruiser USS Lake Erie (CG-70), in the waters off of Hawaii after the target missile launch from Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Kauai was detected and accessed. The SM-3 IB kill vehicle used its new dual color seeker to distinguish the target from the debris and make the final rocket propulsion adjustments through its new TDACS motor that controls the fuel burn to have the incoming ballistic target missile run into it for the successful destruction and termination of the target missile.

This test was the final developmental test for the SM-3 Block IB which was required to execute three successful intercepts before production of these missiles to be deployed on the United States Navy fleets of Aegis BMD Ships. This third successful intercept of the SM-3 block IB missile will now enable procurement of this missile to replace and exceed the over one hundred or so SM-3 Block IA missiles. 81 SM-3 Block IB missiles in FY 13 and FY 14 are scheduled to be appropriated by the United States Congress for 2.8 billion dollars.

The test also validates the use of the SM-3 Block IB with the Aegis 4.0 system and the United States ships equipped with that system in the fleet today. This system is the most advanced in the world and is currently on the USS Shiloh (CG-67) out of the 7th U.S. Fleet in Japan.

The successful test, though a development one, clearly demonstrated its ability to defend against a medium-range ballistic missile, which the North Koreans have in place today to threaten Korea, Japan, Okinawa and Guam

It marks the 25th successful Aegis missile defense intercept test and better enables the United States Naval Surface Fleet around the globe to assure allies, defend our forces forward, and preserve peace.

Riki Ellison is available for on the record interviews. Contact Ms. Shanita Taylor at 703-299-0060 to schedule.

SOURCE Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance

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