A new variant of the Ground-based Interceptor successfully stopped an intermediate-range ballistic missile today over the Pacific Ocean using a booster that utilized only two of three available rocket stages -- demonstrating the ability to release the kill vehicle earlier, significantly expanding both the engagement area and time available to counter inbound threats. That is the claim made by the Missile Defense Agency today after conducting Flight Test Ground-based Interceptor (FTG)-12, breaking a nearly five-year-long “ strategic pause ” in...
