THAAD Missile System

THAAD Missile System Latest News

Recently, Iran has destroyed a key Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) radar system used by the US to detect and intercept ballistic missiles in the Middle East.

About THAAD Missile System

• The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system is one of the most advanced missile defence platforms.
• It is developed by the United States to counter ballistic missile threats.

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Key Features of THAAD Missile System

• It is designed to intercept missiles during the final stage of their flight,
• THAAD can destroy incoming threats both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere, providing a critical defensive layer against short-medium-and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles. 
•  THAAD uses “hit-to-kill” technology. 
  • This means its interceptor missiles destroy incoming targets by directly colliding with them at extremely high speeds, relying on kinetic energy rather than an explosive blast.
• THAAD can engage ballistic missile targets at ranges of roughly 150–200 kilometres.
• The THAAD weapon system is a major element of the broader Ballistic Missile Defence System (BMDS) architecture.
• Key components includes

• • Interceptors that destroy incoming missiles through kinetic impact;
  • Truck-mounted launchers used to deploy the interceptors;
  • Powerful AN/TPY-2 radar, which detects and tracks missile threats at a long range;
  • A tactical fire control and communications unit that coordinates targeting and engagement; and additional logistics and support equipment.
  • A typical THAAD battery includes around 90 personnel, six launchers, and 48 interceptors, with each launcher carrying eight missiles.

Source: TH