Two systems become one during missile defense integration test — The Missile Defense Agency, in partnership with U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command and other organizations, successfully conducts a flight test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense weapon system, March 29. The test, designated Flight Test THAAD Weapon System-21 was conducted at the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Preliminary results indicate that flight test objectives were achieved by the THAAD Weapon System, which was integrated with and fired two Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhanced interceptors that intercepted a USASMDC Black Dagger target. (Missile Defense Agency photo)

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency received the 900th interceptor manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the THAAD ballistic missile defense systems.

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2 February, 2025

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has received the 900th interceptor manufactured by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Armed Forces’ Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defense system. In this context, Dan Nimblett, Vice President of Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Upper Tier Air and Missile Defense division, stated that the arrival of this new unit comes at a time when global events are highlighting the strategic importance of having such systems to deter and counter aerial threats posed by ballistic missiles of various types and ranges.

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or (THAAD) weapon system assigned to Task Force Talon, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command. Task Force Talon is responsible for the U.S. Army’s first forward deployed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense unit on Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, Oct. 26, 2017. (Photo by Army Capt. Adan Cazarez)

THAAD is an air defense system developed by the U.S. company Lockheed Martin, designed to protect local forces, populations, and critical infrastructure from short- and medium-range ballistic missile attacks. The system consists of mobile launchers, interceptors, an advanced radar, a fire control system, and support equipment. Its interception capability covers altitudes between 150 and 200 kilometers, while its radar can detect threats at distances of up to 1,000 kilometers. THAAD uses “hit-to-kill” technology, destroying incoming missiles through kinetic energy, neutralizing their warheads before they reach their targets.

The response process to an attack begins when an enemy missile is launched. At that moment, the THAAD radar system detects the launch and transmits the information to the command and control center. The center then orders the launch of an interceptor missile to neutralize the enemy projectile, which is destroyed in the terminal phase. It is worth noting that each launcher vehicle can carry up to eight interceptor missiles.

A combined U.S. and Israeli color guard presents the colors during a closing ceremony for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system deployment to Israel, March 25, 2019. The ceremony concluded a first ever deployment of a THAAD battery, along with other supporting troops and equipment, to Israel under the Department of Defense’s Dynamic Force Employment concept.

As proof of its capabilities, the company’s statement highlights that THAAD has a 100% interception success rate in flight tests and has been successfully integrated with PAC-3 MSE air defense missile systems. Integration with other systems is a key part of building a layered networked architecture necessary to counter increasingly sophisticated and capable aerial threats.

As previously mentioned, this delivery comes amid growing threats around the world, particularly in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Indo-Pacific region. According to a report from the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. military has deployed seven THAAD batteries, located in Israel, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Romania, and Guam. “THAAD is crucial for protecting our nation and allies against a range of ballistic missile threats, and Lockheed Martin will continue working with our industry and government partners to deliver its proven capability,” stated Dan Nimblett.

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska, during Flight Experiment THAAD (FET)-01 on July 30, 2017 (EDT). During the test, the THAAD weapon system successfully intercepted an air-launched, medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM) target.

Finally, the delivery of the 900th interceptor reflects several key points. First, the demand for this system indicates that it remains an essential component of the missile defense architecture of the United States and its allies. Secondly, in line with this, it underscores that in a world where new actors with ballistic missile capabilities are emerging, the U.S. government continues to invest in strengthening its air defense systems, considering the advancements made by other nations such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.

Photos used for illustrative purposes.

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