U.S. Hits One Of 2 Targets In Missile Defense Test, Agency Confirms

The United States intercepted one of two targets in a missile defense test conducted over the ocean northwest of Hawaii, the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) told Mike Stone and Ted Hesson of Reuters.

MDA said it could not confirm whether the second target had been destroyed. Missile defense tests are an opportunity to improve technology, but also to demonstrate the strength of US defenses on the global stage.

Reuters said MDA's stated mission is to develop a multi-layered system that could be used to protect the US and its military forces, as well as US allies.

The test over the weekend dubbed "Flight Test Aegis Weapon System 33," aimed to intercept two short-range ballistic missile targets with two other missiles launched from a US Navy warship. The agency said the test was the most complex mission it has conducted to date.

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