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That was quick. https://twitter.com/LucasFoxNews/status/1328620620100329472
With this test, SM3 Block IIA becomes the second US missile defense interceptor type to have demonstrated success against ICBM-class targets. This will have consequences for strategic stability that can't be readily reversed.
Among other reactions, we may hear about this from North Korea. Kim Jong Un commented on the last test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense system against an ICBM-class target in April 2019.
Officially, US homeland missile defense is designed to address "limited" ICBM threats from North Korea and Iran. Iran doesn't have an ICBM right now so it's just North Korea, but China and Russia will also view this event with interest.
MDA had indicated a latent capability for Block IIA interceptors against ICBMs early on, but largely focused on threats in the MRBM/IRBM category in the ensuing years. FTM-44 (today's test) was congressionally mandated.
This is only the third overall successful hit-to-kill demonstration against what MDA describes as a "representative"* ICBM-class target. There have been two successful GMD tests against this type of target.
* (Not actually representative of range/speed of real ICBM threats)
* (Not actually representative of range/speed of real ICBM threats)
More to be said soon, but these are initial thoughts. Props to @Marco_Langbroek for putting this on everyone's radar early on. https://twitter.com/Marco_Langbroek/status/1328096186541232130?s=19
Full MDA release: U.S. successfully conducts SM-3 Block IIA Intercept Test against an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Target
MDA has made video available. Will post in clips. Here’s the ICBM target missile launching from Kwajalein.
Multiple angles of the SM3 Block IIA interceptor hot launching (including in slow motion) from a Mk41 VLS aboard USS John Finn (DDG 113) in the Pacific.
Infrared tracking of the SM3 Block IIA interceptor in ascent.
And, finally, confirmation of the intercept. This is the only angle shown; IIRC, the previous two GMD tests included a couple more shots of the intercept itself.
Here’s the direct link to the video if you’d like to scrutinize the footage: https://www.mda.mil/video/FTM-44%20Public%20Release%20Video_20-MDA-10599_web.mp4
If you’re wondering what “HALO-IV” is, it’s one of the sensor-equipped aircraft MDA uses to ascertain and evaluate these events (alongside other sensors, including the Space-based Kill Assessment, or SKA, satellite sensors).
