During the trial, the USS Pinckney (DDG 91) used the Sea-Based Terminal (SBT) Increment 3 capability within the latest Aegis Combat System software to detect, track and simulate an engagement of a manoeuvring hypersonic missile. The scenario involved firing a simulated Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) against an air-launched Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) equipped with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV-1) front end.
The test not only assessed engagement capability but also provided vital data for the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) demonstration satellite. The HTV-1 target was designed to support development and evaluation of systems capable of defeating a variety of hypersonic threats.
“Our ability to defeat manoeuvring, hypersonic missiles is critical if we are to defend our homeland and our forces against an increasingly dangerous threat,” said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins. “The Aegis Weapon System will play a vital role in the next-generation integrated air and missile defence system, and today’s test demonstrated key achievements as we continue to partner with the Navy in advancing our Nation’s counter-hypersonic capabilities.”
FTX-40 also demonstrated the effective integration of space-based sensors with shipboard fire control systems, enhancing situational awareness and response times. Data gathered will help inform the design of future systems and improve the nation’s missile defence architecture.
The test served as a critical risk reduction step for the MDA-developed HTV-1 target and set the stage for an upcoming live intercept test, designated Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-43 (FTM-43). This future trial aims to intercept the HTV-1 using an upgraded SM-6 interceptor.
FTX-40 builds on the success of last year’s FTM-32 test, in which an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer successfully intercepted an MRBM during its terminal flight phase. Together, these trials underscore progress in developing a layered defence against evolving missile threats.
