A U.S. system that integrates existing missile and radar assets has succeeded in intercepting a simulated cruise missile similar to ones obtained by Iran from China. The Complementary Low Altitude Weapon System, or CLAWS, was said to have successfully intercepted a BQM-74 surrogate cruise missile target through the integration of assets common to a range of U.S. allies in the Middle East. The cruise missile target, flying at low altitude, was intercepted during a test this week at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico.
In 2003, the U.S. PAC-2 and PAC-3 missile defense systems failed to intercept Iraqi cruise missiles fired toward Kuwait during the war against Saddam Hussein, Middle East Newsline reported. Officials said U.S. troops in Iraq could be vulnerable to cruise missiles fired by neighboring Iran, which has procured such weapons from China. Officials said all mission objectives were met in the interception of the BMQ-74 by a U.S.-origin air-to-air missile. The missile defense system has been integrated by Raytheon. "This test harnessed the elements of the CLAWS Family of Systems and demonstrated a capable, working architecture that will give us an advantage on the battlefield," Maj. Steve Grass, project lead of the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command, said. "We are looking forward to taking the next step." |