US conducts first test interception of medium-range ballistic missile

The United States successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile during a test, stated Pentagon, according to Reuters.
According to the US Department of Defense, this is the first successful interception of a medium-range ballistic missile carried out by the US Missile Defense Agency. The test took place near the shores of Guam Island, located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean.

The Pentagon added that this event was an important milestone in the development of the defense capabilities of Guam Island.

During the tests, the Aegis Guam system, integrated with the new AN/TPY-6 radar and vertical launch system, launched a Standard Missile-3 Block IIA missile.

The missile, produced by RTX Corp (RTX.N), successfully intercepted the target – a medium-range ballistic missile launched from the air – near the coast, close to Andersen Air Force Base.

Strike on Ukraine with Oreshnik

A few weeks ago, Russia used a medium-range ballistic missile for the first time to strike Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed that his country was testing the new Oreshnik missile.

Currently, Ukraine does not have air defense systems capable of intercepting the new Russian missiles. However, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Kyiv is awaiting assistance from its Western allies in this regard.

In particular, the US THAAD missile defense systems may be involved. These systems can destroy missiles at altitudes of up to 200 km.

Recently, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi mentioned that Ukraine is discussing the transfer of various types of air defense systems with its partners.