28 June 2015, 12:46 GMT
“On July 18 at approximately 9 a.m. (EDT) a Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) test missile exploded after suffering a malfunction as it was fired from the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) during a planned missile exercise off the coast of Virginia,” read a statement from Naval Sea Systems Command. There were no reported injuries and the destroyer was able to return to port unassisted.
The solid fuel SM-2 missile is primarily used to counter traditional air threats, like fighter jets.
The Navy is investigating the explosion.
