The SM-3 Block IA was first intercept-tested (successfully) in June 2006 and is the version of the SM-3 now deployed on U.S. These pulses were eventually restored in the Block 1A interceptors. Although a repaired version of the valve was used in the pulsed SDACS for the Block I missiles, all of these missiles had the two subsequent pulses disabled. The FM-5 intercept failure was due to a SDACS valve failure involving these two smaller pulses. This version of the SDACS has an initial sustain pulse followed by two smaller pulses that provide additional divert capability. Starting with the FM-5 intercept test (Block 0, ) an upgraded version of the kill vehicle’s solid divert and attitude control system (SDACS) was employed. The Block IA also has significantly greater divert capabilities. Relative to the Block I, the IA has greater processing capability for improved IR discrimination and eliminated some obsolescence issues and increased missile lifetime. It was first deployed on the USS Shiloh in spring 2006, as part of the initial Aegis BMD 3.6 deployment. The SM-3 Block IA is the first production version of the SM-3 (the “tactical” missile). Only eleven Block Is were built, and four of these were expended in tests (FTM-04-1, FTM-04-2, and Pacific Blitz (2)).
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SM-3 Block I was a limited production version that provided the first operational Aegis BMD intercept capability aboard the USS Lake Erie in spring 2005. It was similar to the subsequent Block I version but had specific features added for testing, such as pressure gauges in fuel tanks and rocket motors and an “independent flight termination system.” The Block 0 was used in the first five intercept tests (FM-2 through FM-6). SM-3 Block 0 was an initial version built only for testing. However the SM-3 replaces this missile’s explosive warhead and radar seeker with an additional solid-fuel third-stage motor and an infrared-homing, hit-to-kill kill vehicle. It is based on the airframe of the SM-2 Block IV extended-range air defense interceptor, including its two solid-fuel rocket stages. McKenzie declined to speculate whether the Pentagon might dedicate additional ISR to Yemen, saying: “Anything is possible.”Īlthough it has long targeted Saudi Arabia, the Houthi movement last month responded to battlefield losses with the unprecedented assaults on UAE, sources say.The SM-3 is the U.S Navy’s current exo-atmospheric (above-the-atmosphere) ballistic missile defense interceptor. “So it's an informed dialogue that goes on within the department of defense.” I communicate with our (US defense) secretary all the time about the resources that we need,” McKenzie said, without identifying any specific request. “I communicate with partners where we are with Yemen. With tensions simmering around the world, from North Korea to Ukraine, the Pentagon has to deal with competing priorities for ISR resources, which also include satellite imagery. The Houthis have shot down two US-operated drones since McKenzie took command in March 2019 and far more drones operated by regional allies. “It's a large country, and you have to make decisions on priorities.”Įxperts say it can be difficult to help allies detect and destroy Houthi launch sites without adequate ISR, particularly when dealing with mobile missile launchers.Īware of their value, Houthis target US drones.
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It's hard to see into Yemen,” McKenzie said, using an acronym for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, which include drones. McKenzie, who has also expressed concern about Houthi attacks against ally Saudi Arabia, acknowledged that the US has been grappling with significant limits on US surveillance capability over Yemen, noting its size. The Houthi attacks have thrown a spotlight on so-far unsuccessful UN-led efforts to broker an end to the war in Yemen, which since 2015 has pitted the Houthis against a Saudi Arabian-led military coalition that includes the UAE. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and caused a humanitarian crisis. It would also stick closely to defensive support, amid stiff opposition to the war in Yemen among many lawmakers in Congress due to civilian deaths. The latest US move would be in addition to the Pentagon's announcement last week of a deployment of a guided missile destroyer and advanced US F-22 fighter jets to the UAE. The UAE has privately requested US replenishment of missile defense interceptors, including for its THAAD and Patriot system, a source familiar with the matter said, speaking on condition of anonymity.įor the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. McKenzie did not offer further specifics.