US successfully intercepts ballistic missile for first time
The Pentagon reported the first successful test of a missile defense system that was able to intercept a ballistic missile.
This happened as part of exercises that took place on the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean.
The US military used the Aegis Guam missile defense system to intercept an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile.
SM-3 Block IIA anti-missiles successfully neutralized a target for the first time, TASS reports.
The exercises took place in the vicinity of Andersen Air Force Base.
The Pentagon emphasized that military engineers will continue to work on improving missile defense systems.
The island of Guam is located 2.9 thousand km from the coast of China.
It plays an important role for the United States in the context of its military presence in the region and deterrence of potential adversaries.
