What is Guam and why should we care? The truth is that the answer has edges, because Guam is the United States, but in reality it is not so or not at all. Located in Micronesia, north of the endless cluster of dwarf islands that make up the South Pacific, this piece of land belongs to the United States as an unincorporated Territory. Its citizens have U.S. passports, although they do not have all the rights. However, more importantly than these bureaucratic problems, its geographical location makes it a “nuclear” target.

A missile. A very important turning point occurred this Tuesday. The United States conducted the first successful interception of a ballistic missile from Guam using the Aegis Guam System (AGS) advanced defense system. During FEM-02 testing, an SM-3 Block IIA interceptor destroyed an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile near U.S. Andersen Air Force Base.

Like this? The success validated the system’s ability to detect, track and neutralize threats in flight, marking a significant advance in the defense of Guam and the territory. Basically show the world, and especially China, that they are prepared for any threat.

Aegis Guam Defense System. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the AGS combines AN/TPY-6 radar with Mark 41 vertical launch systems, similar to those used on US destroyers and cruisers. This technology, proven in conflicts in the Middle East, was adapted to protect Guam, which, as we have said, is an important strategic region in the Western Pacific. The success of the test strengthens the Department of Defense’s preparations to confront emerging threats such as Chinese ballistic missiles.

Project Purpose. In the report published after the launch and stopping of the ballistic missile, Reuters reported that the USA was trying to make Guam one of the most protected regions in the world by using this advanced missile defense system. This effort is part of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, designed to counter China’s growing military capabilities and ensure the security of this region vital to U.S. operations in Asia and the Pacific.

Of course there is more. Guam is home to major military installations such as Andersen Air Force Base, home to strategic bombers and the Air Force’s largest ammunition depot, and Naval Base Guam, which services nuclear submarines. Its strategic location makes it a point of power projection towards the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait and provides the basis for Indo-Pacific Command’s logistics and operations.

Technology and System Components. The project includes advanced missiles such as SM-3 Block IIA, SM-6, Patriot PAC-3 and THAAD, as well as a short-range air defense system, complemented by the AN/TPY-6 radars we mentioned.

All these vehicles will be integrated under a “layered” network that uses regional and space sensors to detect and intercept threats at various stages of flight, improving the ability to respond to attacks.

Technical and Strategic Challenges. Although the latest test was successful and demonstrated the ability to intercept ballistic missiles from the ground, there are still doubts about the system’s effectiveness against a major attack. There are important names in this regard such as the DF-26 advanced ballistic missiles and the DF-27 hypersonic missiles that can easily reach the target from Beijing. Both represent significant challenges due to their ability to maneuver and use countermeasures. Moreover, while it is not possible to stop every missile with a simultaneous attack, the goal is to minimize damage and complicate China’s plans.

Local impact and concerns. There’s one more leg to tackle behind this whole war effort. The implementation of the project has raised concerns among Guam residents. The arrival of additional military personnel and foreign workers is thought to worsen an already critical housing shortage and increase pressure on infrastructure and public services for the island’s approximately 170,000 residents.

Despite these concerns, local authorities emphasize that the system will increase the overall security of the island, but many people fear that the system will become a priority target. What seems more or less clear after launch is that it aims not only to protect Guam, but also to deter potential attackers by sending a clear message: An attack on the island will be considered an attack on the United States. area.

Image | usa indian

in Xataka | What is Guam and why could it suddenly lead us into world war three?

in Xataka | In 1940, a creature sneaked onto an island in the United States and devoured everything. Two of the species that humans fear the most live alone together today.