Navy Theater Ballistic Missile Defense System (Navy TBMD)
In December 1992, the Joint Requirements Oversight Council validated the need for a sea-based theater ballistic missile defense (TBMD) capability. In recognition of the proliferation of the tactical ballistic missile threat, the US Navy needed a "lower-tier" (intercepts inside the atmosphere), limited-area TBM defense that would be similar to the upgraded Patriot-3 for the Army, but could provide greater defensive coverage. A second objective was to achieve an "upper-tier" (exo-atmospheric), long-range intercept capability to provide a broader defense of joint forces, cities, vital assets, and inland regions with an entire theater of operations The Navy TMD system employs ship-based interceptors supported by co-located ship-based tracking and fire control radar.
2000
Aug. 24, 2000
The SM-2 Block IVA Control Test Vehicle Two Flight Test was conducted on August 24, 2000 at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. High resolution photos of the launch and booster separation are provided below.
1997
Jan. 24, 1997
The Missile Defense Agency and the U.S. Navy launched a prototype Standard Missile-2 Block IVA from the "Desert Ship" complex at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. These tests, conducted on January 24, 1997, were part of the Developmental Test Round flight test program for the Navy Area Theater Ballistic Missile Defense system.
