U.S. Successfully Conducts First Ballistic Missile Intercept from Guam

The test marks a critical milestone in bolstering Guam’s defenses against regional missile threats, particularly from China.

The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) conducted a live intercept test using the Aegis Guam System, successfully targeting a medium-range ballistic missile off Guam’s coast.
This was the first ballistic missile defense test executed from Guam, utilizing the Standard Missile-3 Block IIA and the new AN/TPY-6 radar for end-to-end tracking and interception.
The test is part of the Pentagon’s long-term Guam Defense System initiative, aimed at creating a persistent, layered air and missile defense capability on the island.
Guam’s strategic location in the Indo-Pacific makes it a critical U.S. military outpost, but its proximity to China also places it within range of advanced Chinese ballistic missiles like the DF-26 and DF-27.
The $10 billion defense project is a cornerstone of the U.S. Pacific Deterrence Initiative, aimed at countering growing missile threats while addressing logistical and infrastructure challenges on the island.