HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Dec. 11,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency
and a Boeing [NYSE:BA]-led industry team successfully intercepted
an intermediate-range ballistic missile in space during the latest
test of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, system.
The test validated GMD's Capability Increment 6B configuration, which gives the Missile Defense
Operators more time, space, and flexibility to intercept ballistic
missile threats to the U.S. homeland.
During the test, a GMD interceptor released a kinetic-force
Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, or EKV, during the rocket booster's
second stage of its normally three-stage sequence of flight. The
threat-representative target was air launched from the Broad Ocean
Area and the interceptor was deployed from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California.
"This successful test is important because it opens up the
window of opportunity to intercept threats to our homeland," said
Debbie Barnett, vice president of
Strategic Missile & Defense Systems. "We're committed to
continuously enhancing the GMD system's capability to meet rapidly
evolving missile defense needs for the nation."
Boeing has supported the GMD program as lead system integrator
since its inception in 1998 through development, test, operations
and sustainment. The system has now been on alert for nearly two
decades and is an integral part of America's layered ballistic
missile defense architecture.
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops,
manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products
and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a
top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global
supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and
community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating
for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a
culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and
integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at
boeing.com/careers.
Contact
Josh Roth
Boeing Communications
+1 (256) 631-8140
joshua.d.roth@boeing.com
Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing