USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118) successfully intercepted a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target using upgraded Aegis software during a recent flight test. This marks the first Aegis Baseline 9.C2.0 (BMD 5.1) intercept of an MRBM target using the  Standard Missile–6 Dual II with software upgrade, bringing improved performance against evolving threats.

Supported by the United States Navy, Missile Defense Agency, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), and other partners, FTM-31 E1a deployed a real-world scenario to test the Aegis Weapon System, which was able to better target, identify and intercept the threat due to the software update.

“The shield and spear of the fleet, Aegis has evolved to counter air, ballistic missiles and evolving threats across multiple domains from all regions, ranges and during all phases of flight,” said Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager of Naval Combat and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin. “We realize it is critical to develop capabilities that allow the United States, its partners and allies to quickly adapt to constantly-changing mission needs.”

New Missions, Increased Worldwide Security

Lockheed Martin has a long history of success applying its combat system expertise worldwide to deliver complex weapon and sensor capability through the Common Source Library, a permanent library for all Aegis system computer programs that allows customers to access software required to meet mission requirements. Aegis can rapidly deliver new capabilities, including solutions that integrate both SPY-1 and solid-state radars, and the growing SPY-7 family of radars. Due to its open architecture, Aegis delivers capability today and is flexible to grow with the demands of an ever-changing environment.

Lockheed Martin release