The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) successfully completed an exercise involving Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) elements and emerging technologies, which gathered data during a routine operational test of a U.S. Air Force strategic missile from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., conducted Aug. 23, 2009.

Participating MDA assets included the Sea-Based X-Band Radar (SBX), the transportable AN/TPY-2 X-band radar and the External Sensors Laboratory. Data collected during the exercise will be used to improve sensor capabilities and as risk reduction for future BMDS tests.

The Air Force test, called Glory Trip 195, was part of a continuing program to evaluate and demonstrate the operational readiness of our ground-based strategic deterrent force. The ability to utilize a target of opportunity allows MDA to conduct numerous important exercises and obtain extensive data without incurring the expense associated with launching a test-specific target missile.