**Lockheed Martin's Aegis Combat System Demonstrates Ability to Counter Hypersonic Threats**

On March 25, 2025, Lockheed Martin announced the successful completion of Flight Test Other 40 (FTX-40), known as Stellar Banshee, in partnership with the U.S. Navy and Missile Defense Agency. Conducted off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii, the test validated the Aegis Combat System’s ability to detect, track, and engage an advanced hypersonic Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM) target using a simulated SM-6 Block IAU interceptor.

This test marked a significant milestone in hypersonic defense, showcasing the new Aegis Baseline 9 software in a virtualized setup. The simulation underscored the system's capacity to handle real-world hypersonic threats, offering a glimpse into future live-fire intercept missions.

Chandra Marshall, vice president of Multi-Domain Combat Solutions at Lockheed Martin, highlighted the system’s strategic advantage: “Aegis Baseline 9’s hypersonic defense capability enables our warfighters to respond to threats more quickly and effectively.”

Stellar Banshee is the third in a series of developmental tests under Capability Package 24 / BMD 5.1.5, which includes the Sea-Based Terminal Increment 3 configuration. It follows last year’s successful Stellar Sisyphus (FTX-23) and FTM-32 tests, which demonstrated sensor tracking and interception of MRBM targets with upgraded SM-6 missiles.

The results further solidify Aegis as a flexible and scalable cornerstone of missile defense, adaptable for both sea- and land-based platforms.

More information is available at www.lockheedmartin.com/aegis.