The Sm-6 Missile Can Perform Anti-Air Warfare, Ballistic Missile Defense And Anti-Surface Warfare Missions. (Photo: Missile Defense Agency)
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, conducted Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 33 in the broad ocean area northwest of Hawaii, July 24.
The objective of FTM-33 was to intercept a raid of two Short Range Ballistic Missile targets with four Standard Missile-6 Dual II missiles.
Based on initial observations, one target was successfully intercepted. At this time, MDA cannot confirm the second target was destroyed.
FTM–33 was the most complex mission executed in MDA (a raid of two test targets and two SM-6 Dual II salvos consisting of four missiles). It was the third flight test of an Aegis BMD-equipped vessel using the SM-6 Dual II missile.
FTM-33, originally scheduled for December 2020, was delayed due to restrictions in personnel and equipment movement intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Program officials will continue to evaluate system performance based upon data obtained during the test.
The firing ship for the test was the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114).
The SM-6 Dual II missile is designed for use in the terminal phase of a short- to- medium-range ballistic missile trajectory.
About MDA: MDA’s mission is to develop and deploy a layered Missile Defense System to defend the U.S., its deployed forces, allies, and friends from missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.
Additional information about all elements of the U.S. Missile Defense System can be found at www.mda.mil.