Missile Defense Agency, Boeing-Led Industry Team Conduct Early Release Intercept Test

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and a Boeing-led industry team successfully intercepted an intermediate-range ballistic missile in space during the latest Ground-based Midcourse Defense, or GMD, system test. 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 the nation’s rapidly evolving missile defense needs.”

Boeing has supported the GMD program as lead system integrator since its inception in 1998 through development, testing, operations, and sustainment. The system has been on alert for nearly two decades and is integral to 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.