The U.S. Fears China’s Long-Range Missiles Could Reach Guam. To Prepare, It Just Launched One at Itself

What’s Guam, and why does it matter? Guam is part of the U.S., although not entirely. Located in Micronesia, north of the countless small islands in the South Pacific, it’s an unincorporated U.S. territory. Its citizens hold U.S. passports but lack full rights. More critical than these bureaucratic nuances, however, is Guam’s geographic significance: This territory is a potential “nuclear” target due to its strategic location.

One missile. A significant milestone was recently reached: The U.S. successfully intercepted a ballistic missile from Guam using the advanced Aegis Guam System (AGS) defense system. During the FEM-02 test, an SM-3 Block IIA interceptor destroyed an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile near Andersen Air Force Base.

What was the point? The test demonstrated the system’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize in-flight threats, marking a major advance in Guam’s defense. It also sent a message to the world, particularly China, that the U.S. is prepared for any threat.

The AGS. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the AGS combines an AN/TPY-6 radar with Mark 41 vertical launch systems, similar to those used on U.S. destroyers and cruisers. This technology, proven in Middle Eastern conflicts, has been adapted to protect Guam, a critical strategic location in the Western Pacific. The test’s success bolsters the Department of Defense’s readiness to counter emerging threats, including Chinese ballistic missiles.

Purpose of the project. According to Reuters, after intercepting the missile, the U.S. plans to make Guam one of the world’s most protected areas with this advanced defense system. This initiative is part of the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, designed to counter China’s growing military capabilities and ensure the security of this vital U.S. territory in the Asia-Pacific.

Guam is home to key military installations, including Andersen Air Force Base, which houses strategic bombers and the Air Force’s largest ammunition depot, and Naval Base Guam, which services nuclear submarines. Its location allows for power projection in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait and supports the Indo-Pacific Command’s logistics and operations.

Technology and system components. The project includes advanced missiles such as the SM-3 Block IIA, SM-6, Patriot PAC-3, and THAAD, alongside AN/TPY-6 radars and a short-range air defense system. These tools will be integrated into a “layered” network using regional and space-based sensors to detect and intercept threats at various flight stages, enhancing response capabilities.

Technical and strategic challenges. Despite the recent successful test, questions remain about the system’s effectiveness against a large-scale attack. Key threats include the DF-26 advanced ballistic missile and the DF-27 hypersonic missile, both capable of reaching Guam from China. These weapons pose challenges due to their maneuverability and countermeasures. While intercepting every missile in a simultaneous strike is impractical, the system aims to minimize damage and complicate adversaries’ plans.

Local impact and concerns. The project has raised concerns among Guam’s nearly 170,000 residents. The influx of military personnel and foreign workers is expected to exacerbate housing shortages and strain infrastructure and public services.

While local authorities emphasize the system’s benefits for island security, some residents fear it could make Guam a prime target. What seems clear, especially after the test launch, is that the goal isn’t just to protect Guam but also to deter aggressors by signaling that an attack on the island will be treated as an attack on U.S. territory.

Image | U.S. Indo-Pacific Command

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