Aegis Combat System Demonstrates System's Capability to Counter Hypersonic Threats

31 Maret 2025

USS Pinckney DDG 91 (photo: US Navy)

Kauai, Hawaii – The USS Pinckney (DDG 91) successfully completed Flight Test Other 40 (FTX-40), also known as Stellar Banshee, using Lockheed Martin’s Aegis Combat System to detect, track and perform an engagement against a live advanced hypersonic Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target using a simulated SM-6 Block IAU.

A Medium Range Ballistic Missile with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle (HTV) - 1 front end is air launched from a C-17 aircraft off the coast of the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, during Flight Test Other-40, or FTX-40, March 24, 2025 (photos: Dvids)

FTX-40, backed by the Missile Defense Agency, United States Navy, Lockheed Martin, and industry partners, tested a real-world hypersonic scenario, showcasing several capabilities. Stellar Banshee introduced a new target and simulated missile, marking the successful use of the latest Aegis software in a virtualized configuration for a Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Flight Test mission.

The Hypersonic Highlight

“Our Aegis Combat System successfully defended against a simulated hypersonic threat,” said Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin. “Aegis Baseline 9’s hypersonic defense advantage against a MRBM target brings incredible capability that allows our warfighter to see the unseen, sooner, ensuring our sailors get in front of threats quickly.”

The successful test also highlights the Aegis Combat System's capacity to adapt to the constantly evolving defense environment. With both sea-based and land-based configurations, Aegis demonstrates the flexibility and scalability of the system, making it a key pillar of missile defense.

Ongoing Proven Capability

Lockheed Martin is driving innovation, integration and support for ongoing flight tests with the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy, and industry partners, shaping the future of Aegis technology. The FTX-40 simulated engagement previews future Aegis live fire intercept missions and is the third test for the Capability Package 24 / Ballistic Missile Defense 5.1.5 system, including the Sea-Based Terminal Increment 3.

Last year, industry and government teams successfully executed FTX-23, otherwise known as Stellar Sisyphus, demonstrating a two-part developmental test of sensor-tracking and communications-link capabilities. The teams successfully intercepted a MRBM target using the SM-6 Dual II Software Upgrade interceptor missile in FTM-32.

(Lockheed Martin)