By Faye Higbee
Hawaii — Off the coast of Kauai on Saturday, a US Missile test failed. The test of two Standard Missile-6 Dual II (BMD-initialized) – a ‘Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 31,’ failed to intercept the target. The failures are learning experiences that will help the US improve its missile defense. The test had been postponed until Saturday because of the presence of a Russian surveillance ship at 13 miles off the coast.
The US Missile Test
The objective of the test was to demonstrate the capability of ballistic missile defense (BMD )-configured Aegis ship to detect, track, engage and intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target with a salvo of two Standard Missile-6 Dual II (BMD-initialized ) missiles. However, an intercept was not achieved.
The test was a cooperative effort between the US Navy and the Missile Defense Agency. The MDA has initiated an investigation as to what may have been the problem that caused the US missile test to fail.
Though the Missile Defense Agency and the US Navy specifically said they didn’t let Russia know that the test was scheduled or where, Russia knew – maybe not exactly when or where, but they knew. They can read, and they were paying attention. Numerous American military outlets reported on statements by Pentagon officials in April about a US Missile test of the SM-6.
Screenshot: What the missiles are supposed to do- intercept small and medium range ballistic missiles.
