Deploying a missile defense architecture that can intercept a missile early in flight (during the ascent phase) would render rogue missiles ineffective, thereby undermining the rationale to use them.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Old threat with a new face

The test, in which an Aegis ballistic missile cruiser shot down a target fired from Hawaii, was the first exo-atmospheric kinetic intercept of a ballistic missile in the ascent phase of flight, and the third intercept from an Aegis warship.

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The ability to perform such a feat means that, if necessary, it will be possible to try to intercept an attacking missile at several points along its trajectory.

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The test involved the third straight intercept by a SM 3 missile launched from a cruiser, the U.S.S. Lake Erie, equipped with the Aegis fleet air defense system.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Get On With It: Time To Deploy Sea-Based Missile Defenses

Evolutionary sea-based defenses, an early version of which conducted a successful intercept of a short-range ballistic missile two months ago, meet both of these tests.

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U.S. troops began arriving Friday to operate Patriot missile defense batteries, deployed to intercept any Scuds that might cross into Turkey from Syria.

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And last week, U.S. troops started arriving near the Turkish-Syrian border to man Patriot missile defense batteries, which are intended to intercept any Scud missiles that might cross into Turkey from Syria.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

And last week, U.S. troops started arriving near the Turkish-Syrian border to man Patriot missile defense batteries, which are deployed to intercept any Scud missiles that might cross into Turkey from Syria.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

As U.S. intelligence revealed last week, the destructive intercept was performed by a kinetic-kill vehicle (KKV) launched onboard a medium-range ballistic missile.

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One result was that Raytheon was able to develop a new version of the Standard Missile used by the Navy for air defense engagements designated the SM-3 that was designed specifically to intercept ballistic targets.

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