THAAD carries out missile intercept test
Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system demonstrated its ability to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile target during a test led by the US Missile Defense Agency on 30 August.
During the designated Flight Test THAAD (FTT-23), the air defence system located at US Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands detected, tracked and intercepted a representative threat target using a THAAD launcher that was positioned at distance from the other THAAD end items.
The THAAD radar detected, acquired and tracked the target, and the system then launched an interceptor from a remotely-located THAAD launcher that destroyed the target's re-entry vehicle.
This was the 16th successful intercept in 16 attempts for the THAAD system since 2005, Lockheed says.
The THAAD system now has the capability to physically untether a THAAD launcher from the battle manager and launch interceptors remotely, which enhances launcher emplacement options and increases the area that can be defended.
‘The enhanced THAAD system performed flawlessly in today's test, and we are proud to support the Missile Defense Agency and US Army as they continue to demonstrate the system's unmatched capabilities,’ Richard McDaniel, vice president of upper tier integrated air and missile defence systems at Lockheed Martin, said.
‘This successful test paves the way for delivery of an urgent need capability that will enhance THAAD's emplacement options resulting in greater asset protection.’
The system uses hit-to-kill technology to intercept and destroy a threat with direct impact, neutralising lethal payloads before they reach the ground.
The system is mobile and interoperable with other ballistic missile defence system elements, including Patriot/PAC-3, Aegis, forward-based sensors, and command, control, battle management and communications systems.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
-
![In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays]()
In depth: Competition for British Army vehicle programme heats up, despite more delays
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seems set to be delayed once again but industry is jockeying for position to partner in what would be one of the biggest ever buys for the British Army.
-
![DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme]()
DSEI 2025: AM General has partner lined up for British Army vehicle programme
AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production and the company is looking for export orders, notably the UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP), to add to a recent approval for Canada to buy vehicles.
-
![DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts]()
DSEI 2025: IDV sets eyes on British Army vehicle deal as MD calls for “acceleration” of efforts
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme (LMP) to replace thousands of vehicles is in flux as the tender for the Light Mobility Vehicle segment planned for November is set to be missed. IDV Robotics’ Dr Geoff Davis is calling for the UK government to focus broadly on indigenous capability for procurement and to do it faster.
-
![DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask]()
DSEI 2025: Avon Protection provides first sight of new goggle and details on half mask
Avon Protection has been growing and improving its integrated systems offerings. Last year the company released its Exoskin total protective suit system and earlier this year the MITR-M1 half mask.
-
![DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements]()
DSEI 2025: Elbit Systems set to field joint fires systems as it looks to large UK requirements
Elbit Systems UK was awarded the Dismounted Joint Fires Integrators (D-JFI) programme in January 2021, which will integrate with the UK’s army, marines and air force. The parent company has decades of heritage in the UK and is looking to compete for the Watchkeeper drone replacement.
