On May 25, 2006, *Defense News* reported that the U.S. Missile Defense Agency confirmed a successful test in which an interceptor missile was launched from a U.S. warship and destroyed a short-range ballistic missile just seconds before it reached its target. This marked a significant step forward in the development of naval-based missile defense systems.
The test took place off the coast of Hawaii, where the Aegis-equipped cruiser *Iliad* successfully intercepted a simulated short-range ballistic missile using a *Standard-2* Block IV missile. The ship had undergone extensive modifications to enhance its missile defense capabilities. The objective of the exercise was to demonstrate that incoming missiles could be neutralized during their final phase of flight, either through direct impact or a close-range explosion.
According to the Missile Defense Agency, this was the first time a ballistic missile had been intercepted at sea during its terminal phase. The success of the test highlights the growing importance of maritime missile defense as a critical component of U.S. national security strategy.
Currently, the U.S. military relies on the land-based *Patriot-3* system to defend against short-range threats, but it has lacked a fully operational ship-based missile defense capability. This test is seen as a major advancement in filling that gap.
In addition, a recent Pentagon report emphasized the increasing threat posed by Chinese ballistic missiles to U.S. aircraft carriers and other surface ships. As China continues to modernize its military, the need for effective and flexible defense systems becomes more urgent. This test not only showcases technological progress but also signals a strategic shift toward protecting naval assets in contested waters.
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