Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Chapter · 38:01-40:26

Maya and Haguro prove ballistic-missile defense at Kauai

In November 2022, Maya and Haguro hit exo-atmospheric targets with different SM-3 variants, proving the class's missile-defense capability and allied integration.

Anti Satellite WeaponsBallistic Missile DefenceHaguroJapan US AllianceMaya Class DestroyersMissile Defense AgencyPacific Missile Range FacilitySM-3 Block IBSM-3 Block IIASM-3 Missile
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Notes

Maya entered service on 19 March 2020, and Haguro followed exactly one year later. During November 2022 tests at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Maya fired an SM-3 Block IIA and Haguro an SM-3 Block IB. Both hit targets outside the atmosphere, and Maya's launch was the first of that missile type by a Japanese warship. In this account, the SM-3 Block IIA has both anti-ballistic-missile and anti-satellite potential. Working with the US Navy and Missile Defense Agency demonstrated that Japan could use shared ranges, weapons, and technical support. The tests proved the class's capability while signaling close alliance integration.