US military's Aegis system intercepts test missile in Hawaii
This Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 photo provided by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) shows the launch of the U.S. military's land-based Aegis missile defense testing system, that later intercepted an intermediate range ballistic missile, from the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The MDA said Monday's test showed an interceptor missile the military is developing with Japan that is ready to be manufactured. The Navy tracked it and launched an interceptor missile from Kauai. (Mark Wright/Missile Defense Agency via AP)
The U.S. military's land-based Aegis missile defense system has intercepted an intermediate range ballistic missile in a test near Hawaii.
The Missile Defense Agency said Monday's test showed an interceptor missile the military is developing with Japan is ready to be manufactured.
Defense contractor Raytheon says the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor has larger rocket motors that will allow it to defend broader areas.
An Air Force C-17 launched the target missile. The Navy tracked it and launched an interceptor missile from Kauai.
The U.S. first developed the Aegis ballistic missile defense system for ships and then adapted it for land.
The U.S. has an Aegis Ashore site in Romania and is developing another in Poland.
Japanese navy ships have the Aegis system and Japan is installing Aegis Ashore.