“The Ground-Based Interceptor is an important effector in a globally-integrated system that connects sensors to decision makers to provide the nation’s senior leaders with options and time. Today’s test bolsters strategic stability in a dynamic security environment.”  – Gen. Glen VanHerck, commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command

Today, the United States again proved kinetic energy intercept of an ICBM target in space in its successful intercept of the capability enhancement 2 (CE2) on a two stage fly out of the three stage Ground Based Interceptor which are operationally deployed in silos in Fort Greely Alaska today defending the entire 50 states from an ICBM attack from North Korea. This ‘bullet on bullet’ kinetic energy intercept demonstration expands the battle space and increases battle time for the defense of North America. The successful test by the Missile Defense Agency solidly reassures our nation with great confidence in our ability to track, discriminate, and defeat in a now new expanded battle space due to this two-stage demonstration intercept of a ICBM missile attacking the North American continent.

The most valued product of this intercept test is the expansion of the battle space with the two-stage capability to add and layer to the existing three stage capability range in the Ground Based Interceptors (GBI) deployed today. As a direct ramification of this new extended battle space is the reduction of the shot doctrine from the multiple firing of these highly valuable and limited capacity interceptors at one ICBM. Instead of being tasked with firing multiple highly expensive interceptors against one ICBM from a three stage range, we can engage first with a single third stage interceptor and have battle space and time if necessary to fire a two stage interceptor thus reducing the shot doctrine being used today with only having three stage range.

The two stage fly out addition to the GBI provides immense flexibility in the types of threats that current GBI-CE2 or the future Next Generation Interceptor (NGI) could engage. Paring the variable 2-/3 stage with increased sensor connectivity from TPY-2 radars in Japan and the newly upgraded Sea-Based X-Band radar further enhances the confidence and reliability of the ground based missile defense system for the NORTHCOM/NORAD combatant commander who is responsible for the defense of the North American continent. This test proves the significant value and the noble mission of the Missile Defense Agency, a remarkable and ingenious demonstration that will save hundreds of millions of dollars in reduction of shot doctrine and increased battle space collectively making the North American continent safer than it is today.

“This successful intercept utilizing the 2-/3-Stage selectable Ground Based Interceptor capability in 2-stage mode provides the Warfighter with increased battlespace that supports additional shot opportunities to negate an incoming threat missile, .. The Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system is vitally important to the defense of our homeland, and this test demonstrates that we continue to provide enhanced capabilities for our existing Ground Based Interceptor fleet while we rapidly design and deliver the leap-ahead technology of the Next Generation Interceptor.” – Missile Defense Agency Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins