SM-3 Block IIA intercepts ICBM target, validating potential for homeland defense 'underlayer'

By Jason Sherman / November 17, 2020 at 6:19 AM
A Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor shot down an intercontinental ballistic missile target during a flight test over the Pacific Ocean last night, demonstrating the extended reach of a weapon originally designed for shorter-range regional threats and bolstering Pentagon plans to add a second layer of homeland defenses against a limited ICBM attack from North Korea and potentially Iran. At approximately 7:50 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time, (12:50 a.m., Nov. 17, Eastern Standard Time), the Arleigh Burke -class destroyer John Finn...

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