The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully simulated the interception of an advanced hypersonic missile using a Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) as part of its efforts to bolster defense capabilities.
Conducted off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the test—known as Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) or Stellar Banshee—was a collaborative effort between the MDA, U.S. Navy, and Lockheed Martin. While no actual SM-6 was fired, the exercise featured a live hypersonic target, a Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite, and the USS Pinckney (DDG 91), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer equipped with the latest Aegis Combat System.
The test involved a simulated launch of an upgraded SM-6 at an air-launched Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) fitted with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV)-1 front end.
During the test, the USS Pinckney reportedly showcased its capability to detect, track, and simulate an engagement against an advanced maneuvering hypersonic target using the Sea Based Terminal (SBT) Increment 3 capability embedded in the latest Aegis software baseline, according to a press release.
“Our ability to defeat maneuvering, hypersonic missiles is critical if we are to defend our homeland and our forces against an increasingly dangerous threat,” MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins said. “The Aegis Weapon System will play a vital role in the next-generation integrated air and missile defense system, and today’s test demonstrated key achievements as we continue to partner with the Navy in advancing our Nation’s counter-hypersonic capabilities.”
“Our Aegis Combat System successfully defended against a simulated hypersonic threat,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin.“Aegis Baseline 9’s hypersonic defense advantage against a MRBM target brings incredible capability that allows our warfighter to see the unseen, sooner, ensuring our sailors get in front of threats quickly.”
FTX-40 follows last year’s FTM-32 test, where a destroyer successfully intercepted an MRBM in its final flight phase.
