A European Premiere: Interception of A Supersonic Sea-Skimming Missile On April 4, 2012, the French navy air-defence frigate Forbin successfully intercepted a supersonic aerial target simulating an incoming supersonic sea-skimming anti-ship missile with its PAAMS (Principal Anti-Air Missile System). The test was carried out under the joint supervision of the navy and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). This highly complex engagement – a European first -- demonstrates the ability of the PAAMS anti-aircraft system to protect a carrier battle group against a particularly dangerous threat. The PAAMS, developed under a tripartite cooperation program by France, Italy and the UK,...