An early concept release intercept test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system brought success this week, as members of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and a Boeing-led industry team intercepted an intermediate-range ballistic missile in space.
For the test, a GMD interceptor launched a kinetic-force Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle during a rocket booster’s second stage, to deal with a target air launched from the Broad Ocean Area. The test validated GMD’s Capability Increment 6B configuration, meant to give missile defense operators greater time and ability to intercept ballistic missile threats.
“This successful test is important because it opens up the window of opportunity to intercept threats to our homeland,” Debbie Barnett, Boeing’s vice president of strategic missile and defense systems, said. “We’re committed to continuously enhancing the GMD system’s capability to meet rapidly evolving missile defense needs for the nation.”
Boeing, a major global aerospace company, has been the GMD program’s lead system integrator since the program began in 1998. In that role, Boeing had led development, testing, operations, and sustainment.