Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile system successfully intercepted and destroyed a target missile in a test over the Pacific last week.
A US Navy ship launched a target missile which was detected by a missile tracking station within 2.5 minutes and a THAAD was launched to intercept it Lockheed says.
THAAD is designed to defend against short to intermediate range ballistic missiles and can identify, track and destroy inbound ballistic missile warheads.
The 'hit-to-kill' system does not carry explosives, instead using kinetic energy from a direct impact to vaporise its target.
Lockheed says more challenging tests are scheduled for next year which will include tracking more than one missile.
By staff writer
