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THAAD Missile Defense System

THAAD Missile Defense System

Brand: Lockheed Martin
Category: Defense Systems
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Maximum Range 200 km
Maximum Altitude 150 km
Radar Detection Range 1,000 km (AN/TPY-2)
Missile Speed Mach 8

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

1. General Information

System Name	Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Anti-Ballistic Missile Defense System
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2008
Unit Cost	USD 800M–1B (per battery)

2. Performance & Capabilities

Maximum Engagement Range	200 km
Maximum Engagement Altitude	150 km
Target Types	SRBM, MRBM, IRBM
Interception Probability	90% (under test conditions)
Reaction Time	< 15 seconds
Radar Detection Range	Up to 1,000 km

3. Missile Specifications

Missile Type	THAAD Interceptor Missile
Missile Length	6.17 m
Missile Weight	900 kg
Warhead Type	Kinetic Kill Vehicle
Warhead Weight	N/A (Hit-to-Kill)
Speed	Mach 8+

4. Radar & Fire Control

Radar Type	X-Band AESA Radar
Radar Name	AN/TPY-2
Detection Range	Up to 1,000 km
Tracking Capacity	100+ Targets
Guidance System	Inertial + Terminal IR Seeker
Fire Control System	Automated Command and Control

5. Launcher & Mobility

Launcher Type	Mobile / Truck-Mounted
No. of Missiles per Launcher	8
Reload Time	30–60 minutes
Mobility Platform	Oshkosh M1120 HEMTT Truck
Crew Required	3–5 personnel

6. Communication & Control

Control Type	THAAD Fire Control and Communications
Data Link Range	Link-16 / SATCOM / BMDS Integration
Navigation	Yes (Multi-Tier Integration)
Ground Control Station	Autonomous / Networked / Manual Override

7. Operational Use

Primary Operator	USA, UAE, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Japan
Combat Proven	Yes
Conflict History	Deployed in Middle East and Pacific Deterrence Ops
Notable Feature	High-Altitude Intercept with Kinetic Kill Vehicle

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Operational Flexibility 8 / 10
Combat Effectiveness 8 / 10

PROS

Intercepts ballistic missiles at high altitudes.
Highly mobile and rapidly deployable.
Hit-to-kill accuracy minimizes collateral damage.
Integrates seamlessly with other U.S. defense networks.
Combat-proven reliability and operational readiness.

CONS

Extremely high procurement and maintenance cost.
Limited effectiveness against low-altitude or cruise missiles.
Radar coverage may expose deployment locations.
Requires complex logistical support and trained personnel.
Political sensitivity due to regional deployment controversies.

THAAD Missile Defense System – High-Altitude Interceptor

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a state-of-the-art missile defense platform developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Designed to intercept and destroy short- to intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, THAAD forms a critical component of America’s multi-layered ballistic missile defense architecture. The system offers unmatched precision through a “hit-to-kill” kinetic interception method, neutralizing threats at both endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric altitudes.

THAAD integrates an advanced AN/TPY-2 X-band radar, which provides long-range tracking and discrimination of targets. Each THAAD battery includes launchers, interceptors, radar, and a fire control unit, working in coordination with the broader Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS). Its interceptors can reach speeds over Mach 8, engaging targets up to 200 km away and at altitudes exceeding 150 km.

The system’s flexibility allows rapid deployment via C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, ensuring global responsiveness. THAAD is deployed by the U.S. Army and several allied nations, including South Korea, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, providing vital protection against regional missile threats. The system’s ability to integrate with Aegis, Patriot, and other NATO defense networks enhances cooperative engagement capabilities across joint operations.

THAAD Price in United State

The estimated THAAD system price in the United States ranges from USD 800 million to USD 1 billion per battery, depending on configuration, radar package, and support infrastructure.

Reviews

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Technology:

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Performance:

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