ABOARD USS JOHN FINN — The latest evolution of the Aegis Combat System, Baseline 9.C2 (BMD5.1), successfully supported a Missile Defense Agency-led at-sea Ballistic Missile Defense System test event, Lockheed Martin said in an Oct. 26 release. During the test, the Lockheed Martin-built Aegis system detected, tracked, engaged and launched a missile to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target.
The test, called Flight Test Standard Missile-45, demonstrated the integrated capabilities of the system and how it has continually evolved to counter advanced threats. This test demonstrated the new engagement assessment functionality, bi-directional missile communications and sensor improvement algorithms.
“This test authenticates the strengthening global security of the United States and its allies as we deepen the defense capabilities with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System,” said Paul Klammer, director, Aegis BMD. “This exercise showed that Aegis is the most advanced combat system and the proven choice for a layered defense.”
This test builds upon joint research investments by the United States and Japan and comes on the heels of a successful test with the JS Atago in September. Lockheed Martin is developing a Baseline 9/BMD 5.1 variant computer program, for deployment on Japan’s Aegis destroyers.
