The US is considering testing an ICBM interceptor missile to counter North Korea.
(Baonghean.vn) - On May 16, Rear Admiral Jon Hill, Deputy Director of the US Missile Defense Agency, announced that the agency is planning to test an interceptor missile, developed in conjunction with Japan, to assess its ability to intercept an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
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| The US shot down an ICBM during a test last year. Photo: AP |
Mr. Hill did not provide details about the timing of the Standard Missile (SM)-3 Block IIA interceptor missile test, citing intelligence protection reasons.
Speaking at an event in Washington, D.C., General Hill said: “I don’t want to make things easy for our adversaries, so I won’t announce when or how we’ll conduct the test. However, we will conduct this test.”
According to Hill, conducting interceptor missile tests targeting an ICBM is part of the roadmap toward bringing the SM-3 Block IIA into production. Hill stated, "This is mandated by law. We will proceed with this test."
Experts predict that testing will begin no later than 2020.
With the imminent threat emanating from North Korea, the SM-3 Block IIA is designed to intercept short- to medium-range ballistic missiles. Experts have mentioned the possibility of extending its range to shoot down ICBMs.
The SM-3 Block IIA, which Japan plans to launch in fiscal year 2021, will provide a new and more advanced interceptor targeting destroyers equipped with Aegis missiles and the Aegis Ashore missile system, a land-based version of the Aegis ballistic missile defense system, which Tokyo decided to deploy last December.
