IFLScience:
For the second time in a row, the Department of Defense has successfully tested a key missile defense system capable of detecting, tracking, and ultimately striking down an enemy ballistic missile.
On October 26, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) launched an “enemy” medium-range ballistic missile from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. Sailors aboard the Navy warship USS John Finn then detected and tracked it using an onboard radar system, before launching a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA capable of successfully tracking and intercepting the test missile in dramatic footage captured above the clouds.
Speaking to Reuters under the condition of anonymity, MDA officials say they are confident they have corrected previous issues that caused the interceptor system to fail. This milestone shows the US is capable of striking down incoming medium-range missiles, which are effective for 480 to 960 kilometers (300 to 600 miles), from countries like Iran and North Korea.
