The Missile Defense Agency conducted a successful “important exercise and flight test” Friday from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., of a ground-based interceptor missile, ultimately to be used to protect the nation against long-range ballistic missiles. Air Force Lt. Gen. Trey Obering, MDA chief, told reporters earlier that the test would be “realistic” but the interceptor’s kill vehicle would not impact the target missile. That test remains on schedule for later this year.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.