IRIA News

The United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and the U.S. Northern Command conducted a Ground-based Midcourse Defense System test and successfully destroyed an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) target.

The launch took place near Vandenberg Space Force Base in California from the northern part of the military installation on December 11, 2023. U.S. Space Force Space Launch Delta 30, and the U.S. Space Command Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense collaborated with MDA and United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM).

Test explained

The Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), an element of the overall Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system, successfully took out an intermediate-range ballistic missile during the test, referred to as FTG-12.

The test employed an upgraded GBI with a Capability Enhanced-II Block 1 Exo-Atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). The IRBM target was air-launched from a C-17 aircraft northwest of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, and flew over the Broad Ocean between Hawaii and California. The target was then tracked by a series of land, sea, and airborne sensors, and the GMD system calculated the appropriate interception trajectory and launched the missile which successfully destroyed the target.

Test demonstrates the U.S.’s strategic missile defense capabilities

The test demonstrated the ability of the GMD to engage threats faster and to engage and destroy intermediate- and long-range ballistic missile threats to the U.S. homeland, according to the MDA statement.

The test “highlights U.S. Northern Command’s close coordination and collaboration with the Missile Defense Agency and demonstrates our continued commitment to countering ballistic missile threats to the homeland,“ said Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander, of North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command.

“The Ground-Based Interceptor is an important effector in a globally integrated system that connects sensors to decision-makers to provide the nation’s senior leaders with options and time. Today’s test bolsters strategic stability in a dynamic security environment,“ VanHerck added.

Ground Based Interceptor capability

This test was the first test of a three-stage GBI operating in two-stage mode, which means the third stage was commanded not to ignite and allowed earlier release of the kill vehicle, providing closer range engagements.

“This successful intercept utilizing the 2-/3-Stage selectable Ground Based Interceptor capability in 2-stage mode provides the Warfighter with increased battlespace that supports additional shot opportunities to negate an incoming threat missile,“ MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins said.

He described the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system as “vitally important“ to the defense and said the test demonstrates that they continue to provide enhanced capabilities for the existing Ground Based Interceptor fleet while rapidly designing and delivering the leap-ahead technology of the Next Generation Interceptor.

Raytheon, Boeing and Northrop Grumman collaboration

The MDA’s latest comprehensive system was tested and developed in close collaboration with defense contractors Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and Raytheon.

The Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle that successfully destroyed the IRBM was developed by Raytheon. “This test demonstrates that the U.S. ballistic missile defense system is operational, reliable and ready to protect the country,“ said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon. “Raytheon kill vehicles have now successfully completed nearly 50 space intercepts, which underscores our expertise and ability to design and develop these systems to defeat the evolving threat.“

The leading global aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman serves as a strategic partner to The Boeing Company for the GMD development and sustainment contract, providing development, integration, operations and sustainment of the ground systems as well as the interceptor boost vehicle.

Commenting on the development, Scott Lehr, vice president of launch and missile defense systems, at Northrop Grumman, said: “As the threat landscape advances, it’s critical to ensure our homeland defense systems are tested and proven in the event of an attack. This successful test demonstrates we are ready and have confidence in the MDA’s end-to-end missile defense solutions that are deployed today.”