US tests Aegis BMD Combat System
The US Navy’s USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, has successfully used Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Baseline 9 terminal engagement capability to detect and track a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target under the Flight Test Other-21 (FTX-21) test, Lockheed Martin announced on 19 May.
Baseline 9 is the latest evolution of the Aegis Combat System, certified in January 2016 by the navy and Missile Defense Agency. This latest Aegis Baseline provides integration with external ship systems and advanced defence capabilities.
It is fitted with the BMD 5.0 Capability Upgrade to engage ballistic missiles from the lower and upper atmosphere. It also has the SPY-1 naval phased array radar for advanced anti-air warfare, surveillance and missile defence capabilities.
Paul Klammer, director of Aegis BMD at Lockheed Martin, said: ‘This complex test demonstrates the continuing evolution of Aegis and builds further confidence in our ability to detect and maintain tracking on these types of threats.
‘The Navy and Missile Defense Agency, along with our engineers, build on the lessons learned from every test to ensure Aegis is keeping pace with dynamic threats.’
The tests build on the system's successful tests in 2015, when it demonstrated its Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities and three Baseline 9 variants were certified.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
