BMD: SM-3 Block IIA programme set for CTV test

[AMDR]

SM-3 Block IIA programme set for CTV test
Surface Navy 2015: SM-3 Block IIA programme set for CTV test - IHS Jane's 360

Key Points

• Two CTV firings are planned for 2015
• SM-3 Block IIA remains on schedule to deploy in 2016

Preparations are under way for a first Control Test Vehicle (CTV) firing of a Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) Block IIA exo-atmospheric interceptor in May 2015.

Being developed under a US/Japan joint programme, the Block IIA missile is planned to deploy from Aegis ships and shore sites from 2018 as part of the European Phased Adaptive Approach (EPAA) Phase 3 ballistic missile defence (BMD) shield.

The May test - to be undertaken from San Nicolas Island on the Point Mugu, California, sea range - is the first of two CTV firings planned for 2015.