Missile Defense Watch: United States Launches Successful Anti-missile Test from Vandenberg Air Force Base

AFP: US runs successful anti-missile test

The United States successfully tested its ballistic missile defense system , officials said, almost two months after North Korea test-fired a long-range missile that fell into the sea.

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said an improved ground-based interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California hit a dummy armed missile fired from Kodiak, Alaska.

The agency “successfully completed an important exercise and flight test involving the launch of an improved ground-based interceptor missile designed to protect the United States against a limited long-range ballistic missile attack,” the agency director, Air Force Lieutenant General Henry “Trey” Obering, said in a statement.

It was the first test of the US long-range missile defense system since North Korea’s July 4 test-firing of six short- and medium-range missiles and a long-range missile, which all fell into the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The US government estimates that North Korea’s long-range missile could be capable of striking Hawaii, Alaska or even California, although officials acknowledge their intelligence on the matter is limited.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld cautiously welcomed Friday’s positive results, but stressed that further tests are needed.

“I am pleased that today’s test of our ballistic missile defense system appears to have been a success,” Rumsfeld said in a statement.

“Successful tests such as these increase confidence in the approach to developing an initial missile defense capability … the tests will become even more challenging in the period ahead,” he said.

More tests lie ahead.

But is Reagan’s Vision being realized?

You betcha……

The Missile Defense Agency website is here.
“I think we have a good chance” to shoot down long-range North Korean missiles, Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Henry Obering said in announcing the successful test involving “an improved ground-based interceptor designed to protect the United States a limited long-range ballistic missile attack.”

“And it’s one that I feel safer and sleep better at night,” Obering told a press conference.

Congrats……

Ground-Based Interceptor Emplacement, Sea-Based X-Band Radar, In-Flight Interceptor communications sytem Data Terminal. L-R-Down.

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