T
he Missile Defense Agency said that a ground-based interceptor missile launched from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., successfully intercepted a target missile launched from Kodiak, Alaska. According to an MDA release, “Initial indications are that the rocket motor system and the kill vehicle performed as designed.” The exercise also tested the Upgraded Early Warning Radar at Beale AFB, Calif., the Sea-Based X-band radar, and SPY-1 radar aboard an Aegis ballistic missile defense ship.
The 13th Fighter Squadron from Misawa Air Base, Japan, deployed its new F-35A fighters to a major exercise for the first time, sending them to Pacific Air Forces’ premier air combat training event: Red Flag-Alaska.