What is THAAD Missile System?

About THAAD Missile System:

• It is a missile defense system that can engage and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.
• Key features
  • It has a “hit to kill” approach which blasts missiles as they enter their target zone during their descent.
  • It uses kinetic energy to destroy incoming nuclear warheads. 
  • Target range: It can cover a wide area, engaging targets at distances between 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles).
• Development of THAAD
  • It was developed by the US after their experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
  • In 2008, the US deployed an early missile warning radar, a part of the THAAD system to Israel. Similar deployments were also made in 2012 and 2019, aiding Israel's ability to emerge as a military power.

Q1: What are ballistic missiles?

A ballistic missile is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target. They are powered initially by a rocket or series of rockets in stages, but then follow an unpowered trajectory that arches upwards before descending to reach its intended target. They can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

Source: What is THAAD, which US is sending to Israel; why this is significant