The US Navy has announced that its next-generation subsonic air target (SSAT), the BQM-177A, has achieved maximum operability in a successful standard missile launch and interception. while participating in Pacific Vanguard 2022 (PV 22) in the Philippine Sea, August 28.
The Navy said in a statement that the targeted drone was launched from the Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship USNS Alan Shepard (T-AKE 3) and engaged a missile launched from the missile destroyer. Arleigh Burke-class navigator USS Barry (DDG 52) and Anzac-class frigate HMAS Perth (FFH 157) of the Royal Australian Navy, marking the first time the BQM-177A was used in the Western Pacific and stating that Turn on the drones to achieve full operability.
“I am not only happy because [Commander, Task Force (CTF)] Team 71 was the first team to successfully launch a missile against an entirely new type of target drone, but I am incredibly grateful that we have stood by our allies and partners in the real world. do it,” said Captain Walter Mainor, commander, Task Force 71. “I am proud of all the participants who worked so hard to make this happen, but I am especially proud. about the crew of the USS Barry, USNS Alan Shepard and our alliance partner HMAS Perth.”
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The BQM-177A is a retractable, highly hypersonic air target system that mimics advanced subsonic anti-ship cruise missile threats to test the effectiveness of shipboard air defense systems and used for fleet training. According to program managers at Naval Air Systems Command, it is unparalleled in its operability when it comes to simulating realistic anti-ship missile threats.
“Our primary focus in the target community is affordable, effective training and testing for the U.S. Navy,” said Don Blottenberger, director of the Navy’s Air Targets program. “The team’s efforts, including partnerships with MSC and targeted activist organizations, represent what is best for our community. The BQM-177, now fully capable, will provide quality service to our warriors for decades to come.”
PV 22-1 is the fifth iteration of a series of quadrilateral exercises between Australian, Japanese, Korean and US navies. This exercise focuses on enhancing the capacity of the participating countries to respond together as navies against crises and unusual situations in the region. The aim is for participating navies to continue to hone their operational skills as an integrated force ready to respond to the changing and complex maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region. .
CTF 71/DESRON 15 is the Navy’s largest forward-deployed DESRON and the primary surface force of the United States 7th Fleet.
The U.S. 7th Fleet conducts naval deployments in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific operating region. As the United States Navy’s largest fleet by number, the 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that promote maritime security, promote stability, and prevent conflict.
