The US Navy SM-6 missile is making progress in its ability to intercept hypersonic threats, following a successful simulated test involving the Aegis system.
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA), in collaboration with the US Navy, conducted a simulated test in which the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) successfully intercepted an advanced hypersonic target. This test, named Flight Test Other-40 (FTX-40) or “Stellar Banshee”, involved the destroyer USS Pinckney equipped with the Aegis combat system and used a Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite for target detection and tracking. Although no real missile was fired, this exercise marks a significant step forward towards the real-life interception of hypersonic threats by the SM-6.
Technological advances of the SM-6 missile
The Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) is a multi-purpose missile developed by Raytheon for the US Navy. Initially designed for air defense, it has evolved to include terminal phase ballistic missile interception capabilities and, more recently, hypersonic threats. The SM-6 combines the airframe of the SM-2, the booster of the SM-3 and the guidance system of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, giving it an extended range and operational flexibility. Its official range is estimated at 240 km, although some sources suggest it could reach up to 370 km.
A variant under development, the SM-6 Block IB, is planned to incorporate a 53 cm diameter engine, thus increasing its range and speed, with the aim of reaching hypersonic speeds in excess of Mach 5. This improvement is intended to enhance the missile’s effectiveness against air and surface targets, including terminal-phase hypersonic missiles.
Details of the FTX-40 test
The FTX-40 test, also known as “Stellar Banshee”, took place on March 24, 2025 off the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The main objective was to evaluate the ability of the Aegis system, on board the destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91), to detect, track and simulate the engagement of an advanced maneuvering hypersonic target. The target used was an intermediate-range ballistic missile (MRBM) with a hypersonic vehicle (HTV-1) on its head, designed to simulate realistic hypersonic threats.
Although no actual SM-6 was fired during this exercise, the test allowed for the collection of crucial data for future real-world tests. The use of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS) satellite was also a first, providing valuable information on the detection and tracking of hypersonic targets from space.
Strategic implications and outlook
The success of the FTX-40 test represents a significant step forward in the development of defense capabilities against hypersonic missiles. Hypersonic weapons, capable of maneuvering at speeds exceeding Mach 5, pose considerable challenges in terms of detection and interception due to their unpredictable trajectory and high speed. The development of systems capable of countering these threats is therefore a priority for the US armed forces.
The SM-6, with its continuous improvements, is currently one of the most promising solutions to meet these challenges. However, tests under real interception conditions are still needed to fully validate its effectiveness against hypersonic targets. The next test, called Flight Test Aegis Weapon System-43 (FTM-43), involves the actual interception of an MRBM HTV-1 target using an improved SM-6.
Furthermore, the proliferation of hypersonic weapons by countries such as China, Russia and North Korea accentuates the urgency of developing adequate defense capabilities. The success of these tests not only strengthens the defensive posture of the United States, but also sends a deterrent signal to potential adversaries regarding the American capacity to counter emerging threats.
The FTX-40 test marks a crucial stage in the quest of the US Navy to develop an effective defense against hypersonic missiles. The progress made with the SM-6 and the Aegis system demonstrates a clear desire to adapt defensive capabilities to modern threats. However, the road to a fully operational interception capability remains fraught with technical challenges and requires continuous efforts in research, development and live-fire testing.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.