US Missile Defense Agency,
The Japanese Ship (JS) CHOKAI (pronounced Choh Kai), (DDG 176) is one step closer toward her anticipated ballistic missile defense intercept flight test next month.
The CHOKAI has successfully completed a Tracking Exercise, in the mid-Pacific, where its radars acquired a ballistic missile target, launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF), Barking Sands, Kauai, HI, and transmitted data via a tactical data link to other ships and shore command facilities.
The CHOKAI's weapon system calculated a fire control solution and the crew conducted a simulated intercept of the target by a Standard Missile – 3 (SM-3).
Next month, CHOKAI will conduct an actual intercept attempt. She is the second of four Japanese destroyers that have been, or will be, equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense capability. A similar test was conducted last December with the JS KONGO. The objective of the November test will be to engage and intercept a separating target to be launched from the PMRF.
Upon completing the intercept test, CHOKAI will return to Japan.
