US, North Korea ICBM Targeted First Successful Sea-Based Interceptor Test

An interceptor missile launched from the USS John Finn naval ship in the northeastern waters of Hawaii on the 16th (local time). / U.S. Missile Defense Agency

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The United States has successfully conducted a test intercepting a simulated intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from a naval vessel. This is the first time an ICBM has been intercepted by a sea-launched interceptor. Foreign media have evaluated this as a measure to prepare for North Korea's ICBM launch threats.

On the 17th (local time), the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced that the U.S. Navy destroyer 'John Finn' (DDG-113), equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, launched the interceptor missile 'SM-3 Block 2A' and successfully intercepted an ICBM. The simulated ICBM used in this test was launched from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific, heading toward the waters northeast of Hawaii. The test was conducted with the purpose of protecting Hawaii from an ICBM attack.

The John Finn destroyer acquired the trajectory data of the ICBM and launched the SM-3 Block 2A to intercept the ICBM in outer space. Named FTM-44, this test was originally scheduled for May but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Until now, the U.S. has used ground-based interceptors installed at bases in Alaska and California for ICBM interception tests.

The MDA explained that this test met the capability requirements for responding to ICBM threats with the SM-3 Block 2A, as mandated by Congress by the end of this year. The SM-3 Block 2A was originally developed to counter intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) threats. John Hill, Director of the Missile Defense Agency, described the test result as an "incredible achievement and an important milestone," stating that "the sea-based interceptor system will provide a countermeasure against unexpected missile threats."

AP News reported that although Director Hill did not specifically name the countries considered threats, North Korea is regarded as the main concern for the U.S. AP analyzed that "a major reason the U.S. has accelerated the development of missile defense systems for decades is North Korea's development of ICBMs and nuclear weapons," and that the success of this interception test is likely to attract special attention from North Korea. Fox News also reported that "as the nuclear capabilities of North Korea, China, and Russia continue to grow, the U.S. military has competed to enhance missile defense interceptor capabilities both on land and at sea." North Korea revealed its largest missile display to date at the military parade on October 10th marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army, unveiling nine types of ballistic missiles totaling 76 units, including a new ICBM that is over 2 meters longer than the existing Hwasong-15 model.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee recently increased the budget for expanding missile defense systems to counter ICBM attacks. According to Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 12th, the committee approved a budget of $10.23 billion for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in the fiscal year 2021 spending bill, which is $1.1 billion more than the amount requested by the MDA to Congress. Specifically, $319.6 million was allocated for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries, and $450 million was designated for the Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.