The test was successful
The SM-3 interceptor missile successfully shot down a ballistic missile in the sky of Guam. The US Missile Defense Agency and military personnel monitored both the projectiles, i.e. ballistic missiles and SM-3 interceptor missiles, using tracking radars and telescopic cameras. However, this was not an attack, but rather a difficult test. Within minutes, the ballistic missile – launched into the air from a US Air Force C-17 – was crushed after being hit by an SM-3 interceptor. The great thing is that so far the SM-3 interceptor missile has only been launched from warships. However, on December 10, it was launched for the first time from Earth.
The goal is to protect Guam from China
The collision, which occurred more than 600 kilometers (370 miles) above sea level, was a milestone in a multibillion-dollar US plan to transform Guam, the closest to China’s potential enemy of any US state, into one of the safest places on Earth. . And it’s starting to become one. “We need the capability to deter the People’s Republic of China from attacking sovereign US territory,” a US defense official said, referring to China by the initials of its official name, the People’s Republic of China. “Whatever capability we build in Guam, its goal is to protect the motherland.” “
What weapons will America deploy?
Over the next decade, the US government plans to install missile defense systems at 16 sites across the island. They will use the best hardware in the country’s arsenal, including the SM-3 Block IIA and SM-6, Patriot PAC-3 MSE, THAAD missile systems, a new and advanced radar, the AN/TPY-6, and short-range missiles. – Range The air defense system includes the ability to protect against indirect fires.
America will thwart Chinese attacks
The missile defense system’s batteries, linked to sensors on Guam and throughout the region, can repel any attack by China on the island. Guam is home to important bases for the US Navy and Air Force, which the Pentagon considers vital to the balance of power in East Asia and the South China Sea. From this base, he monitors not only China but also trans-Pacific maritime trade. Guam helps America monitor the activities of not only China, but also its biggest enemy, Russia.
What is the Pacific Deterrence Initiative?
Deploying more missile defense systems to Guam is a cornerstone of the US Pacific Deterrence Initiative. Its goal is to confront both China and Russia. US relations with both countries are very tense, and are likely to deteriorate further. Building the island’s missile defenses to specifications would cost about $10 billion over the next decade. China will soon deploy the DF-27 missile, which carries a hypersonic glide vehicle to avoid enemy interception.
What worries the people of Guam?
However, Guam residents worry that deploying more US troops to protect the island will exacerbate the housing problem. Apart from this, there will be pressure on infrastructure and public services. Not only that, but a new administration in the White House may change the requirements or structure of the system. Despite this, it is believed that this deployment will only increase security for the population of Guam, which is already home to 1,700,000 people.
The importance of Guam
Guam is home to the US Air Force’s Andersen Air Force Base, whose runways can handle the heaviest US military aircraft. B-52 and B-2 bombers capable of carrying out nuclear attacks can also take off from here. The base also houses the largest US weapons stockpile, containing nearly 9 million kilograms of explosives, according to the 36th Munitions Squadron. On the opposite coast of the island from Anderson is the Guam Naval Base, where five Los Angeles-class nuclear-powered attack submarines are deployed. Angeles and the US Navy’s only two specialized ships for maintaining submarines at sea. Other military facilities include radar facilities, communications facilities, maintenance and accommodation.
