Aegis Ship To Test-Fire U.S. Missile Interceptor

A Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis-equipped ship will test-fire a U.S. missile interceptor for the first time off Hawaii on Dec 17, Japanese officials said Wednesday. The move is part of Japan's efforts to accelerate the deployment of missile defense capabilities since North Korea's test-firing of missiles in July last year.Kongou (DDG 173)The test-firing of the sea-based Standard Missile 3 interceptor by the Kongou destroyer will be conducted off the island of Kauai at around 10 a.m. local time, with the U.S. military providing support for it. It could be delayed, depending on weather conditions. The 7,250-ton destroyer has participated in the U.S. Navy's missile interceptor testing since June last year.