Northrop Grumman's Target Launch Elevates U.S. Missile Defense Testing
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024

Northrop Grumman NYSE: NOC) achieved a significant milestone in ballistic missile defense on March 29, launching a Medium-Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target for the Missile Defense Agency's Aegis Weapon System test. Conducted in collaboration with the U.S. Navy, the test utilized the MRBM Type 3 Configuration 2 (T3c2) Target Vehicle, launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.

This successful operation showcased the Aegis ship's capacity to detect, track, and neutralize an advanced MRBM during its terminal flight phase using the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) Dual II. Northrop Grumman's contribution to this test involved the development, production, and successful launch of three MRBM T3c2s, all aimed at intercepting tests for the Aegis SM-6 system.

Robin Heard, Northrop Grumman's Director of Targets, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, "This program leverages our extensive expertise in rocket design, executed swiftly and with precision. We are committed to advancing technology that meets the critical defense needs of our clients, providing the realistic testing scenarios essential for validating the Aegis Weapon System."

As a forefront provider of threat-representative target vehicles, Northrop Grumman plays a pivotal role in the testing and validation of the United States' missile defense capabilities, ensuring preparedness against evolving global threats.

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