International
US, Japan successfully test missile -------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ndtv.com/template/template.asp?template=Sciencetech&slug=US%2C+Japan+successfully+test+missile&id=85568&callid=1
Thursday, March 9, 2006 (Honolulu):
The United States and Japan successfully tested an interceptor missile off Hawaii on Wednesday, in the first US missile defence flight test to use Japanese parts.
The test was to check how well a Japanese-designed nose cone separated from a missile designed by the US to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles mid-flight.
Both countries' militaries are now adopting the technology amid worries about North Korea's development of long-range missiles and nuclear weapons.
The US military is currently installing missile tracking radars and interceptor missiles on 18 US Pacific Fleet ships.
It is also equipping underground silos in Alaska and California with interceptor missiles.
New style
During Wednesday's test, the USS Lake Erie guided missile cruiser fired a Standard Missile-3 interceptor into the atmosphere above the Pacific about 60 miles northeast of Kauai.
Cameras mounted on the missile recorded the Japanese clamshell nose cone separating from the warhead.
The new style of nose cone allows the missile's warhead to spot its target more quickly, shortening the time the interceptor needs to shoot down the enemy missile.
The United States and Japan started jointly researching ballistic missile defence technology in 1999, one year after North Korea test-fired a long-range missile over northern Japan.
Pyongyang's surprise test alarmed Tokyo and spurred a strong Japanese interest in missile defence.
Analysts say North Korea's ballistic missiles are capable of hitting all of Japan as well as Hawaii, Alaska and perhaps portions of the US West Coast.
In 2003, Japan became the first US ally to buy elements of the US-designed missile defence system when it upgraded Aegis radars already on board its naval destroyers.
Japan also bought SM-3 interceptors from the United States. Japan's Defence Agency is also planning to buy 124 Patriot surface-to-air missiles by 2010. (AP)