US launches Black Dagger Zombie missile to test defense sensor system

The US Army Space and Missile Defense Command used a low-cost target missile to test the Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor system, bringing the program closer to field deployment.

Bojan Stojkovski

A Black Dagger Zombie missile target

US Army Space and Missile Defense Command

In a bid to bolster the country’s missile defense, the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) launched a Black Dagger Zombie missile target from Fort Wingate to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico on November 2.

The Black Dagger Zombie missile target is designed to fly a ballistic path and test defense protection capabilities of the US Army. The mission played a crucial role in validating Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) radar performance, bringing the program closer to field deployment.

Justin Novak, target test director for the mission, stated that the system under test required a high-performance, threat-representative strategic missile target. He added that the launch confirmed the system’s ability to perform as designed against a strategic missile threat.

“The target launched within the required time-frame and presented a representative strategic missile threat environment to the system under test. Launching targets is a team effort, and we are fortunate to have a proficient and dedicated team that consistently delivers healthy targets to the systems under test,” Novak explained.

He also added that testing missile defense systems against strategic threats reinforces confidence in their effectiveness, helping to safeguard the US and its allies.

Olivia Miller, pad chief for the LTZ-2 mission, adjusted the launcher to its proper launch angle and elevation, making necessary modifications for changing winds. The mission was successful, with a nominal trajectory flown and the system under test successfully tracking, identifying, and intercepting the target.

“This was the first Black Dagger to be launched from Fort Wingate since 2022, so everyone worked exceptionally hard to ensure we had a successful return to flight,” Miller stated, adding that launching one of these targets requires seamless collaboration between many different entities.

This mission also marked the first launch from the Fixed Target Launcher, which was installed and certified through 2023.

“Every launch I participate in, I learn a little bit more about everyone’s roles before and during countdown. I’m continually blown away by the talent and experience we have in this program, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from my teammates,” Miller stressed.

Stephanie Chrisley, mission assistant test director, acknowledged the dedicated team at Fort Wingate, which ensures that SMDC’s team has everything they need. She expressed appreciation for the collaboration between Fort Wingate and White Sands Missile Range teams, who worked together to make the mission possible.

Chrisley also highlighted that the Zombie program offers low-cost target solutions to support all training requirements for the warfighter.

“These missions allow us to exercise our equipment and train our people in a variety of conditions. Missions such as these allow us to reinforce our ever-ready stance. The targets team has been working toward this launch for a long time and demonstrated great teamwork to make this a success.” she added.

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Bojan Stojkovski Bojan Stojkovski is a freelance journalist based in Skopje, North Macedonia, covering foreign policy and technology for more than a decade. His work has appeared in Foreign Policy, ZDNet, and Nature.

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Bojan Stojkovski