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
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
