Raytheon's RTX Interceptor destroys ballistic missile in key test
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 12, 2023

In a significant advancement for U.S. missile defense capabilities, an Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle (EKV) developed by Raytheon, a business unit of Raytheon Technologies Corporation (NYSE: RTX), has successfully neutralized an Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missile. This test, part of the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System (GMD), was conducted in the Pacific region by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Northern Command.

The recent test marks the 13th successful intercept for the program, underscoring its critical role in protecting the United States by engaging and destroying incoming ballistic missiles outside the Earth's atmosphere. This capability is essential for national defense, particularly against evolving missile threats.

Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, "This test demonstrates that the U.S. ballistic missile defense system is operational, reliable, and ready to protect the country." Kremer further emphasized the company's track record, noting, "Raytheon kill vehicles have now successfully completed nearly 50 space intercepts, which underscores our expertise and ability to design and develop these systems to defeat the evolving threat."

Raytheon's expertise in missile defense spans over 30 years, with a strong focus on developing advanced interceptors and sensors. As the leading provider in this domain, the company's continued success in tests like this one validates its role in supporting the Missile Defense Agency's current fleet of ballistic missile defense sensors and interceptors.

The Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle, integral to the GMD system, operates using "hit-to-kill" technology. By colliding with a ballistic missile's warhead in space, the EKV effectively neutralizes the threat. The success of such intercept tests is a testament to the technological prowess and operational effectiveness of Raytheon's missile defense systems.

Developed in Tucson, Arizona, Raytheon's EKV is complemented by other critical technologies like the AN/TPY-2 and X-Band Radar, which are developed in Andover, Massachusetts. These technologies play a vital role in tracking and guiding the EKV to its target.

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