The new early-release configuration allows earlier interception of ballistic missiles threatening the US

The US Missile Defense Agency, in collaboration with Boeing and other industry partners, has successfully intercepted an intermediate-range ballistic missile target through the latest Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. This results in significant developments for the country’s defensive capabilities against ballistic missile threats.

The test validated GMD’s improved capability (Capability Increment 6B configuration), which gives missile defence operators more time, space, and flexibility to intercept ballistic missile threats.

The GMD is a critical element of the US missile defence shield that is designed to detect, engage, and destroy intermediate and long-range ballistic missile threats during their midcourse flight phase through space.

This is also possible thanks to the Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV), a vital component of the GDM, capable of destroying a ballistic missile target through collision outside the earth’s atmosphere, which was released during the rocket booster’s second stage sequence of flight.

The threat-representative target was air-launched from the Broad (Pacific) Ocean Area, and the interceptor was deployed from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.

“This successful test is important because it opens up the window of opportunity to intercept threats to our homeland,” said Debbie Barnett, Vice President of Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. “We’re committed to continuously enhancing the GMD system’s capability to meet rapidly evolving missile defence needs for the nation.”

Boeing has supported the GMD program as lead system integrator since its inception in 1998 through development, testing, operations and sustainment. The system has been on alert for nearly two decades and is integral to America’s layered ballistic missile defence architecture.