WASHINGTON - The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced on Monday the successful test of the latest version of the Ground-Based Interceptor (GBI), a key component of the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD) system. The test involved the interception of an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM) and showcased the GBI's enhanced capabilities in engaging threats faster.

The test took place at Vandenberg Space Force, California, where the GBI was launched. The GMD system, designed to defend against potential intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attacks from North Korea and Iran, relies on GBIs deployed in underground silos at Fort Greely, Alaska.

According to the MDA, the upgraded GBI used in the test incorporated the Raytheon-designed Capability Enhanced-II Block 1 Exo-Atmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV). This marked the first time the MDA employed a three-stage GBI operating in two-stage mode. By not igniting the third stage, the kill vehicle was released earlier, enabling closer range engagements. The EKV is specifically designed to destroy targets through high-speed collisions after separating from the booster rocket.

The primary objective of the test was to evaluate the upgraded GBI's ability to intercept a target in an expanded space enabled by the two-stage mode. It also represented the first integration of sensor data from the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance Model-2 Forward Based Mode and an upgraded Sea-Based X-Band radar, both developed by Raytheon.

Newly confirmed MDA Director Lt. Gen. Heath Collins expressed satisfaction with the successful intercept, emphasizing the increased battlespace it provides to the Warfighter. Lt. Gen. Collins also highlighted the ongoing efforts to develop the Next Generation Interceptor (NGI), which aims to replace the current GBIs and deliver leap-ahead technology.

The MDA's collaboration with two competing teams, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon, and Lockheed Martin and Aerojet Rocketdyne, in the development of the NGI was also mentioned. Both teams are moving towards critical design review, with Lockheed Martin having completed its digital PDR in October 2022.

Tom Karako, a missile defense analyst at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, emphasized the significance of the test, stating, "While the NGI capability is needed for more advanced threats, the kill vehicles deployed today remain an important deterrence and defense capability."

The successful test represents a milestone in the modernization of the ballistic missile defense system, a top priority of the MDA. The deployment of the upgraded GBI is scheduled for the next GMD capability delivery.