While China and Russia ramp up hypersonic weapons development, America just achieved a game-changing defense breakthrough. The U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency completed a successful test that could neutralize one of our adversaries’ most fearsome weapons.
At a glance:
• The U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency successfully completed “Stellar Banshee” test to counter hypersonic missile threats
• USS Pinckney destroyer tracked and simulated engagement against a hypersonic target using upgraded defense systems
• Test took place March 24 at Pacific Missile Range Facility in Hawaii
• Exercise supported data collection for space-based sensors integrated with sea-based defense systems
• Success paves way for future live-fire test where Standard Missile-6 will launch against actual hypersonic target
America’s Hypersonic Defense Breakthrough
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and U.S. Navy have achieved a critical milestone in defending against one of the most dangerous weapons in China and Russia’s arsenal. The successful test, designated Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) and nicknamed “Stellar Banshee,” showcased America’s increasing capacity to track and potentially intercept hypersonic missiles that travel at over five times the speed of sound.
The exercise took place on March 24 at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, and involved the USS Pinckney, an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Using the latest Aegis Combat System software, the warship tracked and simulated engagement against a Medium Range Ballistic Missile equipped with a Hypersonic Target Vehicle designed to mimic next-generation weapons being developed by America’s adversaries.
During the test, a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft launched the test missile, which was then tracked by the Aegis Weapons System aboard the USS Pickney. The system used the Sea-Based Terminal (SBT) Increment 3 capability, an important component in America’s layered missile defense architecture.
Space-Based Defense Revolution
The exercise marks a significant advancement in integrating space and sea-based defense systems to counter the hypersonic threat. “Stellar Banshee” supported data collection for the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) demonstration satellite, part of a new constellation of six small satellites launched in February 2024.
The HBTSS satellites are specifically designed to track dimmer targets like hypersonic weapons, which can be difficult to detect with traditional systems. By connecting these space assets with sea-based interceptors, the Pentagon is creating a robust defense network capable of addressing Russia and China’s most advanced weapons programs.
Preparing for Real-World Defense
In an upcoming Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-43 (FTM-43 test, a Standard Missile-6 will be launched against an actual hypersonic target, moving from simulation to real-world interception capability.
These exercises also mark the first use of virtualized Aegis software configuration for a ballistic missile defense flight test mission. The successful demonstration follows the earlier FTM-32 mission, which successfully intercepted a ballistic target in its terminal phase.
Data collected from “Stellar Banshee” will help refine tactics and technology to counter advanced weapons being developed by hostile nations. The HTV-1 hypersonic target vehicle used in the test is specifically designed to replicate the performance characteristics of weapons being fielded by America’s adversaries, ensuring U.S. defenses are prepared for real-world threats.
While China and Russia continue showcasing their offensive hypersonic capabilities, this successful test demonstrates America’s determination to neutralize this threat.
