The United States’ ballistic missile defense system (BMDS) is the most advanced of its kind in the world. Capable of taking out incoming missiles in a matter of seconds, it is os one of the most important lines of defense in combating a threat.
It is not very often that the defense system is seen in action, but a video posted to YouTube shows just how impressive the system is eliminating an incoming missile strike.
A number of agencies associated with United States missile defense conduct a complex operational flight test of the ballistic missile defense system. (The Joint Forces Channel/YouTube)
A number of agencies, including the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA), Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) Operational Test Agency, Joint Functional Component Command for Integrated Missile Defense, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Pacific Command conducted a complex operational flight test of the BMDS which demonstrated its “layered defense architecture,” according to the video’s description.
A number of agencies associated with United States missile defense conduct a complex operational flight test of the ballistic missile defense system. (The Joint Forces Channel/YouTube)
“The test, designated Flight Test Operational-02 Event 2a, was conducted in the vicinity of Wake Island and surrounding areas of the western Pacific Ocean. The test stressed the ability of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon systems to negate two ballistic missile threats while Aegis BMD simultaneously conducted an anti-air warfare operation,” the video description explains.
Check out the BMDS in action in the video below:
The video shows two different tests, both equally as impressive, of the BMDS in action. Each test called for a direct strike on incoming ballistic missiles before they hit the ground.
The video shows the U.S. military’s own missiles firing from the ground and chasing down the incoming missile in the sky. In the blink of an eye, the incoming missile is destroyed with a direct hit.
A number of agencies associated with United States missile defense conduct a complex operational flight test of the ballistic missile defense system. (The Joint Forces Channel/YouTube)
The United States has been developing its nationwide antimissile program since at least the 1990’s. According to the Department of Defenses’ Missile Defense Agency website, “Missile defense technology being developed, tested and deployed by the United States is designed to counter ballistic missiles of all ranges—short, medium, intermediate and long.”
“The Ballistic Missile Defense System provides multiple opportunities to destroy missiles and their warheads before they can reach their targets.” The system’s includes ground and sea-based radar detect and track missiles as well as interceptor missiles that can either take out a ballistic missile on impact or with a close explosive blast. The missile defense also includes a communications network that connects the sensor systems with the interceptor missiles.
