Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD): A Powerful Missile Defense System

🚀THAAD is a vital part of the United States' strategy to establish a multi-tiered ballistic missile defense network.

🌍THAAD extends the United States' global influence and helps in maintaining strategic capabilities.

🌟China views THAAD with suspicion, fearing it could undermine its own strategic capabilities.

💥THAAD can intercept missiles at endo and exoatmospheric altitudes, reducing the impact of enemy weapons.

🛡️THAAD's integration with other missile defense systems, such as Pack 3 MSE, enhances its capabilities.

What is the purpose of THAAD?

—The purpose of THAAD is to defend against hostile incoming threats, including short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

Where has THAAD been deployed?

—THAAD has been deployed in Guam and the Middle East to counter threats from North Korea, China, Iran, and their proxy forces.

Why does China view THAAD with suspicion?

—China views THAAD with suspicion because it worries that the system could undermine its own strategic capabilities if it is pointed at China.

What is the interception capability of THAAD?

—THAAD can intercept incoming missiles at endo and exoatmospheric altitudes, reducing the impact of enemy weapons before they hit the ground.

How does THAAD integrate with other missile defense systems?

—THAAD can integrate with other missile defense systems, such as Pack 3 MSE, to enhance its capabilities and defend a larger battle space.

00:09The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system has proven to be a highly efficient instrument for extending the United States' global influence.

01:22THAAD's radar system can be used to track missile launches within a 621-mile radius.

02:27THAAD's ground-based radar can be used for surveillance, threat classification, and threat identification.

02:46The sequence of a THAAD interception starts with an enemy launching a missile, which is then detected by the THAAD radar system.

03:30THAAD's non-explosive kinetic effect minimizes the possibility of detonation, as missile meets missile in midair.

04:42THAAD can defend against short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, but not intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).

04:58THAAD's integration with Pack 3 MSE enhances its defended area and gives the forces flexibility in choosing interceptor missiles.

05:57Lockheed Martin is interested in developing an extended range THAAD variant to counter Hypersonic Glide Vehicles, including China's W14.