US Navy and MDA complete SM-6 Dual I missile intercept flight test

The US Navy and Missile Defense Agency (MDA) have jointly conducted SM-6 Dual I missile testing aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53).

As part of the test conducted off the coast of Hawaii, two missiles were fired simultaneously from the Aegis baseline 9.C1 equipped destroyer to intercept a complex medium-range ballistic missile target.

The missile successfully demonstrated the sea-based terminal endo-atmospheric defensive capability.

MDA director vice admiral Jim Syring said: "This test demonstrated the capabilities MDA and the navy are delivering to our fleet commanders.

"The SM-6 missile and the Aegis Weapon System continue to prove that they are critical components of our nation's multi-layered, robust ballistic missile defence system."

Built by Raytheon, the SM-6 missile uses an explosive warhead to defeat ballistic missile threats.

The missile provides fleet air defence against all types of aircraft, land-attack anti-ship cruise missiles in flight, ballistic missiles and targets on the ocean’s surface.

The SM-6 missile is compatible with existing Aegis cruisers and destroyers and future cruisers and destroyers.

It can be operated in semi-active homing and active homing modes to provide highly accurate target engagement.

Earlier this year, the SM-6 missile intercepted its first-ever surface target, the decommissioned guided missile frigate, USS Reuben James.

To date, Raytheon has delivered more than 250 SM-6 missiles.