THAAD

Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a key element of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers, and critical infrastructure. THAAD operates in a unique battelspace intercepting both endo- and exo-atmospheric short-to-intermediate range ballistic missiles. This ground-based missile defense system is rapidly deployable with high mobility, providing proven capability to Combatant Commanders world-wide. THAAD is an interoperable system with other BMDS elements and can accept cues from Aegis, satellites and other external sensors, as well as work in concert with the Patriot/ PAC-3.

The weapon system is fully integrated and comprised of five major components: launchers, interceptors, a radar, THAAD fire control and communications (TFCC) units, and THAAD-specific support equipment. All components have been successfully integrated, tested and demonstrated during the first phase of the THAAD program that concluded in 1999. Flight testing of the THAAD development program began in late 2005. To date, THAAD has a 100% mission success rate in flight testing with 10 successful tests and 6 for 6 intercepts. THAAD flight tests against complex unitary and separating targets and recently achieved its first salvo intercept of two THAAD intercepts against one target. THAAD flight testing and BMDS interoperability events will continue into the future.

In addition to a successful flight test program, THAAD is in production and delivered capability of the First Battery hardware to the Warfigher in 2009. The first THAAD Warfighter Battery was activated in May of 2008, with the second THAAD Warfighter Battery Activation following in October of 2009. The First THAAD Battery soldiers are certified on the THAAD system and supporting the operational testing of the integrated THAAD weapon system to support the imminent material release. Once THAAD has material release, it will be ready to deploy world-wide with the U.S. Army system operator. The FY11Presidential Budget Request calls for a total of 9 THAAD Batteries through FY15.

THAAD is in production, delivered capability to the War fighter, achieved 100% mission success in flight testing, and has significant growth opportunities moving into the future.

 

  
THAAD is a trademark of Lockheed Martin Corporation.

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