SM-3 Blk 1A missile is part of the Aegis BMD system
237The SM-3 Blk 1A missile is a type of missile used by the United States Navy for ballistic missile defense. It is an upgraded version of the Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) missile, which is designed to intercept and destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
The SM-3 Blk 1A missile is designed to be launched from Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) equipped ships, such as guided missile destroyers or cruisers. It is equipped with a kinetic warhead, which uses the force of impact to destroy the incoming missile, rather than relying on an explosive warhead.
The missile's guidance system uses a combination of inertial guidance and semi-active radar homing to track and intercept its target. It is also equipped with a nose-mounted seeker that can detect and track the target using infrared sensors.
The SM-3 Blk 1A missile has a range of approximately 700 kilometers (435 miles) and is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles in the mid-course phase of flight, outside of the Earth's atmosphere.
The SM-3 Blk 1A missile is part of the Aegis BMD system, which is designed to provide a layered defense against ballistic missiles, using a combination of radars, sensors, and interceptors. The system is operated by the United States Navy and is also used by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force.