New US Defense System Intercepts Missile in Test

An upgraded U.S. missile defense system has successfully destroyed an intermediate-range ballistic missile in a test.

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said in a release on Monday that a test of its upgraded Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI) had demonstrated that the nation's Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) has the "capability to engage threats faster" and potentially thwart "ballistic missile threats from rogue Nations such as North Korea and Iran."

MDA noted that the improvements to the system were "neither intended for, nor capable of, defeating large and sophisticated ICBM, air-, or sea-launched ballistic missile threats from Russia and the People's Republic of China." The agency said the U.S. "relies on strategic deterrence to address those threats" instead.

The enhancement, known the 2-/3-Stage selectable GBI, includes a "Capability Enhanced-II Block 1 Exo-Atmospheric Kill Vehicle." MDA said that the test was the first demonstration of "a three-stage GBI operating in two-stage mode," which allowed for the "earlier release of the kill vehicle, providing closer range engagements."

An MDA spokesperson told Newsweek that the agency planned to "conduct rigorous ground testing in 2024 to support fielding to the fielded fleet in 2025," while noting that Monday's test involved a software-based enhancement and took place in the "Broad Ocean Area of the Pacific."

"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," MDA Director Lieutenant General Heath Collins said in a statement.

"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," Collins continued.

General Glen VanHerck, commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Northern Command, said that the test "bolsters strategic stability in a dynamic security environment," arguing that the upgrade would "provide the nation's senior leaders with options and time" in dealing with threats.

The U.S. has multiple land and sea-based defense systems that are capable of destroying missiles and rockets at almost any stage before they hit their targets, with varying degrees of success.

While the GBI upgrade is not yet deployed and there is no indication that it will affect U.S. aid sent to Ukraine or Israel, other missile defense systems have been a key part of the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas wars.

Israel's "Iron Dome" system, funded by the U.S., has intercepted thousands of rockets from Gaza since being introduced in 2011, according to the Associated Press.

The system has been repeatedly used, alongside the new laser-based "Iron Beam," to counter rocket attacks from Hamas since the current conflict erupted on October 7.

During Ukraine's war with Russia, Kyiv's missile defenses have included U.S.-supplied National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (NASAMS) and Patriot air defense systems.