US Intercepts Ballistic Missile From Guam in First for Pacific Outpost
Source: Newsweek
Published Dec 11, 2024 at 4:10 AM EST | Updated Dec 11, 2024 at 4:26 AM EST
The United States on Tuesday conducted a ballistic missile intercept test in Guam for the first time, preparing the Western Pacific Ocean outpost for defense against China's threats.
The Aegis Guam System, which defends the westernmost territory of America, launched a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor missile from Andersen Air Force Base, and successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile target. This is the first ballistic missile defense event executed from Guam, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency said.
This is a critical milestone in the defense of Guam and the region, said Rear Admiral Greg Huffman, the commander of the Joint Task Force-Micronesia. It is responsible for homeland defense of U.S. territories in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, including Guam.
"It [the intercept test] confirmed our ability to detect, track, and engage a target missile in flight, increasing our readiness to defend against evolving adversary threats," Huffman added.
Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/us-news-intercepts-ballistic-missile-guam-first-pacific-outpost-1998907