First sea-based BMD Intercept
On January 25, 2002, USS Lake Erie engaged and successfully intercepted a unitary ballistic missile target with a STANDARD Missile -3. This was the first successful sea-based BMD intercept and established the momentum for AEGIS BMD that continues until today.
Ballistic Missile Defense is a key mission for USS Arleigh Burke as a FDNF ship. During 2020, USS Arleigh Burke was upgraded with some of the latest ship technologies, including upgraded AEGIS BMD programs, in preparation for joining the forward deployed forces in Rota in 2021.
Read more here: A short history of AEGIS BMD
USS Arleigh Burke Association 