Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) | |
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![]() A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor being fired during an exercise in 2013 | |
Type | Mobile anti-ballistic missile system |
Place of origin | United States |
Service history | |
In service | 2008–present |
Used by | United States Army |
Production history | |
Designed | 1987 |
Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
Produced | 2008–present |
No. built | numerous |
Specifications | |
Mass | 2,000 lb (900 kg)[1] |
Length | 20 ft 3 in (6.17 m)[1] |
Diameter | 13 in (340 mm) (booster); 15 in (370 mm) (kill vehicle)[1] |
Engine | Single-stage rocket |
Propellant | Pratt & Whitney solid-fueled rocket |
Operational range | 120 mi (200 km)[1] |
Flight ceiling | 93 mi (150 km)[1] |
Maximum speed | 6,300 mph (2,800 m/s; 10,000 km/h; Mach 8.2)[1] |
Guidance system | Indium-antimonide imaging infra-red seeker head |
Accuracy | 0 ft (Hit to kill) |
Transport | TEL |
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is an American anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase (descent or reentry) by intercepting with a hit-to-kill approach.[2][3] THAAD was developed after the experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Gulf War in 1991.[4] The THAAD interceptor carries no warhead, instead relying on its kinetic energy of impact to destroy the incoming missile.
Originally a United States Army program, THAAD has come under the umbrella of the Missile Defense Agency.[5] The Navy has a similar program, the sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, which also has a land component ("Aegis Ashore"). THAAD was originally scheduled for deployment in 2012, but initial deployment took place in May 2008.[6][7] THAAD has been deployed in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Romania, and South Korea.
On 17 January 2022, THAAD made its first operational interception, of an incoming hostile medium-range ballistic missile in the UAE.[8]