Washington Times
The Navy and the Missile Defense Agency successfully tested anti-hypersonic defense tactics this month, marking a significant step forward in countering the threat posed by hypersonic weapons.
According to the MDA, the team successfully executed Flight Test Other-40 or Stellar Banshee on Monday. The test, conducted near Hawaii’s Pacific Missile Range Facility, demonstrated the U.S. armed forces’ abilities to detect, track and engage an advanced hypersonic target, the agency said.
During the test, the USS Pinckney used its Sea Based Terminal Increment capability to track the target. The MDA said the vessel successfully targeted and fired an SM-6 upgraded missile at a simulated hypersonic vehicle.
The ship was assisted in its tracking efforts by the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor satellite. According to the MDA, the test provided an important data collection opportunity for the satellite.
