Raytheon SM-3 (RIM-161)
Posted on 10/28/2009 11:39:50 PM PDT by ErnstStavroBlofeld
Japanese naval forces successfully shot down a medium-range missile off Hawaii in a test of Tokyo's missile defense weaponry, the US military said on Wednesday. A Japanese destroyer detected, tracked and knocked out the missile in mid-flight with an SM-3 interceptor rocket, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) said in a statement.
The missile was launched on Tuesday at 6:00 pm Hawaii time (0400 GMT) at a missile range site off Kauai in Hawaii and at 6:04, an SM-3 interceptor was fired in response, the MDA said.
"Approximately three minutes later, the SM-3 successfully intercepted the target approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) above the Pacific Ocean," it said.
The test, carried out in cooperation with the US Navy and the MDA, marked the third time Japanese Self-Defense forces had successfully knocked out a ballistic missile in a test.
The Japanese ship in the exercise is equipped with the Aegis radar system, which tracks the incoming missile and directs the interceptor to the target. The destroyer will be loaded with additional SM-3 interceptors before heading back to Japan, the statement said.
Japan has sought to bolster its missile defenses in the face of the threat posed by North Korea's missile and nuclear programs.
US President Barack Obama's administration has announced plans to build a missile defense shield in Europe using the SM-3 interceptors and the Aegis radar system.
(Excerpt) Read more at spacewar.com ...
Raytheon SM-3 (RIM-161)
Japanese technology, when put to the test, and when they are pissed off, is no laughing matter. I highly recommend the DPRK do some deep reflection on their current path.
Anybody else find it odd that the words “Japan,” “missile” and “Hawaii” are in the same sentence?
“Anybody else find it odd that the words “Japan,” “missile” and “Hawaii” are in the same sentence?”
The irony is our enemies are now our friends. I wonder if 50 years will pass and the middle east will be our friends.
THREAD BUMP!
No, but nice thought, though.
ps...I like the aviation communication in your profile. ;p
/
Exactly!
The missile was fired from JDS Kirishima (DDG-174). Read about her here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JDS_Kirishima_(DDG-174)
Obamas proof of birth place were on that missile.
Sorry could not help myself. (ducking)
Funny as in odd.
South Park (not a fan it was on during shift work) did an episode regarding Hiro tonight.
I completely agree. While the US may have neutered the Japanese by the end of WWII as they deserved at that moment in history, I now understand their nationalism and their willingness to maintain their culture and heritage.
The Japanese are a highly inventive and proud people, and if NK keeps pushing, Japan will likely buy high-tech Aegis systems and nukes very quickly and kick the ever-loving shit out of NK.
Too bad South Korea doesn't believe the same, so I've read. They want Americans out. I'm good with that. Let SK deal with NK as long as China doesn't get involved. I say frig SK and let Seoul deal with some hundreds/thousands? of artillary units just across the DMZ. Once attacked, then what will they do? Oh, they will come running to the US to fight their war for them. The Korean matter should have been resolved long ago.
Back to Japan, yes, I know they would have to change their MacArthur Constitution. They will do it a New York minute if it means their survival. They are not Britain wimps who are letting Muslim migrants change the face of their culture. Japan is what it is and will be for the foreseeable future. They will fight and keep their culture. I say good.
I highly respect the Japanese after spending time there while during my Navy service. I had liberty in Yokuska and Sasebo (sp) and enjoyed their hospitality. I have old photos of me and shipmates sitting with the teachers of a local school and then taking a tour to the foothills of Mt. Fugi. Some of the most fulfilling times of my life. They could not do enough for me and my shipmates. Wonderful honorable hard-working peoples.
That aside, the DPRK won't "relect", due to their leadership. But what will possibly give them pause, is that China is getting weary of Il and the whole of NK. And, like pointed out above, Japan is on the brink of fighting. Am I wrong about that, Sir?
I pinged you to another thread where I mentioned that China wants to become an economic and military power in the region. NK has become a thorn in China's side, IMO.
What say you? I follow your posts.
Stranger things have happened.
One of the other participants in the test was the USS Lake Erie, based in Pearl Harbor.
Actually, the interceptor was fired from the JS Myoko, DDG-175, not the Kirishima. The target, a medium-range ballistic missile, was fired from the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii.
Ouch! I was going by the hull number on the photo in the article. Stupid me. I thought they used a photo of the same ship.
Sigh...
That’s what I get for thinking...
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