U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer USS Carney Fires SM-2 Missiles to Destroy Aerial Drones

The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) used Standard Missile-2 interceptors to destroy aerial target drones during a Live Fire With a Purpose exercise in the Atlantic on September 30 and October 1, 2026. The firings exercised the ship's Aegis combat system, radar tracking, weapons-control chain and Mk 41 vertical launching system against live airborne targets. The Navy publicized the results on October 15 after the crew completed simulated engagements and tactical rehearsals. The activity validated existing naval air-defense procedures and crew readiness, rather than introducing a new interceptor or demonstrating an increased engagement range.