Military weapon system test fails to intercept target

HONOLULU — A weapon system test conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii failed to intercept the target Saturday.

According to an agency statement, the objective of the test was to demonstrate the capability of a ballistic missile defense-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 missiles. However, an intercept was not achieved.

RELATED

Sailor error led to failed US Navy ballistic missile intercept test

A U.S. Missile Defense Agency investigation into a failed ballistic missile intercept test showed that a mistaken input into the combat system input by a sailor on the destroyer John Paul Jones caused the missile to self-destruct before reaching the target.

Program officials say they have initiated a review to determine the cause of any problems which may have prevented a successful intercept and will analyze the results.

The test was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Navy.

RELATED

US Navy destroyer shoots down an ICBM in milestone test

A US Navy destroyer shot down an ICBM early Tuesday morning.

By David B. Larter

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More