The Northrop Grumman-Raytheon team developing the Kinetic Energy Interceptor for the Missile Defense Agency has completed the first static test firing of the missile’s second-stage rocket motor. It was successful, say company officials. It marks one more step in the push to the program’s first booster flight test in 2008.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.