NAPLES, Italy –
U.S. 6th Fleet Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) and USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) conducted two separate live-fire events as part of exercise At Sea Demonstration (ASD) / Formidable Shield (FS) 25. U.S. Navy destroyers are equipped with the Aegis weapons systems designed for ballistic missile defense.
On May 15, 2025, Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a short-range ballistic missile (IAMD-T) target with an SM-6 missile.
On May 20, 2025, Bulkeley and Thomas Hudner successfully engaged a medium-range ballistic missile target (ARAV-B) and a simulated target (EDTT) with an SM-3 missile.
Throughout the exercise, Allied forces are participating in a series of live-fire events using NATO command and control reporting structures.
The two destroyers’ successful missile intercepts demonstrated the lethality of U.S. Navy systems and the ability to operate seamlessly with Allied nations to maintain a stable security environment. It sends a strong message to any potential adversary by demonstrating combat credibility.
ASD/FS 25 is the largest at-sea live-fire exercise in the European theater, hosted by U.S. 6th Fleet and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO. ASD/FS 25 includes a series of live-fire events against unmanned air and surface systems, subsonic, supersonic, and ballistic targets, incorporating multiple Allied ships, multi-nation/multi-service ground-based air defenses, and aviation forces working across battlespaces to deliver lethal effects, accomplish exercise objectives, and hone warfighting skills.
The exercise commenced on May 3, 2025 and involves approximately 6,900 personnel from across the Alliance.