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.”