Landmark Test for America’s THAAD Anti-Missile System

The U.S. Military’s Lockheed Martin Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) long range anti ballistic missile platform is one of four systems comprising a network which currently protects the United States mainland and its bases overseas, with the platform most prolifically deployed to Guam, South Korea and Israel to intercept missiles from North Korea, China and Iran respectively. The platform lacks the versatility of the Patriot or foreign analogues such as the Russian S-400 and Chinese HQ-9B, and can only deploy a single type of interceptor with no warhead - a munition capable of intercepting enemy missiles within a narrow range of altitudes and effectively useless against enemy aircraft. THAAD’s previous testing record was somewhat questionable, with many analysts observing that tests were very much scripted and did not reflect the system’s real capabilities in a combat situation against missiles using decoys, manoeuvring or jamming their sensors. A recent landmark test has increased faith in the system however, with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, Ballistic Missile Defense System Operational Test Agency and U.S. Army soldiers of the E-62 Battery, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade demonstrating the ability to intercept missiles at new ranges.

New capabilities of the THAAD system demonstrated in the recent test allow it to defend a wider area, and allow command to launch interceptors remotely. Vice president of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin Richard McDaniel stated regarding the test: “The enhanced THAAD system performed flawlessly in today’s test, and we are proud to support the Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Army as they continue to demonstrate the system’s unmatched capabilities… 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.” Missile Defence Agency Director Vice Admiral Jon A. Hill stated regarding the missile system: “The Missile Defense Agency is committed to supporting the warfighter and we are proud of this success and the U.S. Army soldiers who executed this flight test… This test demonstrates the expanding capabilities of the THAAD weapon system and its ability to intercept and destroy ballistic missile threats in defense of our nation, deployed forces and allies.” The United States notably offered THAAD to India as an incentive to abandon plans to purchase the Russian S-400 system, and while this request was denied the THAAD system has so far seen only one foreign order coming from Saudi Arabia which has purchased the system alongside the Patriot and a planned order for the S-400. Japan reportedly considered acquired the THAAD system, but preferred the AEGIS ashore which is considered more versatile and has had a better testing record.