Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
Template:Short description Template:Use American English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox weapon
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is an American anti-ballistic missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase (descent or reentry).<ref>Development of a Hit-to-Kill Guidance Algorithm for Kinetic Energy Weapons, 1988. Template:Webarchive.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The THAAD interceptor carries no warhead, instead relying on its kinetic energy of impact to destroy the incoming missile. THAAD was developed after the experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Gulf War in 1991.<ref>"Naver Dictionary: THAAD", Naver Dictionary.</ref>
Originally a United States Army program, THAAD has come under the umbrella of the Missile Defense Agency.<ref name=":4">Template:Cite web</ref> The Navy has a similar program, the sea-based Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, which also has a land component ("Aegis Ashore"). THAAD was originally scheduled for deployment in 2012, but initial deployment took place in May 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> THAAD has been deployed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Israel, Romania, and South Korea.
On 17 January 2022, THAAD made its first operational interception of an incoming hostile medium-range ballistic missile in the UAE.<ref name="defensenews.com">Template:Cite web</ref>
Development
The THAAD missile defense concept was proposed in 1987, with a formal request for proposals submitted to industry in 1991.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The THAAD program benefited from results of previous missile defense efforts like High Endoatmospheric Defense Interceptor (HEDI) and the Kinetic Kill Vehicle Integrated Technology Experiment (KITE).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 1992, the US Army selected Lockheed, now Lockheed Martin, as the prime contractor for THAAD development.
Prior to the development of a physical prototype, the Aero-Optical Effect (AOE) software code was developed to validate the intended operational profile of Lockheed's proposed design. In April 1995, the first THAAD flight test occurred, with all flight tests in the demonstration-validation (DEM-VAL) program phase occurring at White Sands Missile Range. The first six intercept attempts missed the target (Flights 4–9). The first successful intercepts were conducted on 10 June 1999, and 2 August 1999, against Hera missiles.
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) assessed the vulnerability of THAAD, which featured an evaluation of the effects of major electromagnetic elements, including EM interference, EM radiation operations, EM radiation hazards, EM pulse, electrostatic discharge, and lightning, on components of the system.<ref name=ARL_history>Template:Cite web</ref> The assessment was designed also to determine the system's growth potential given its tactical design as well as provide survivability analysis against threats such as conventional weapons, chemical weapons, and electronic warfare countermeasures.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The data collected from the analyses were used to develop trajectory models for targets and missile as well as target trajectories using infrared scene generation of infrared countermeasures (IRCMs).<ref name=ARL_history />
The THAAD system is being designed, built, and integrated by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control acting as prime contractor. Key subcontractors include Raytheon, Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Honeywell, BAE Systems, Oshkosh Defense, and MiltonCAT.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
| Date | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 21 April 1995 | Success | First test flight to prove the propulsion system. There was no target in the test. |
| 31 July 1995 | Aborted | Kill vehicle control test. The test flight was aborted. There was no target in the test. |
| 13 October 1995 | Success | Launched to test its target-seeking system. There was no attempt to hit the target in the test. |
| 13 December 1995 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to software errors in the missile's fuel system. |
| 22 March 1996 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to mechanical problems with the kill vehicle's booster separation. |
| 15 July 1996 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to a malfunction in the targeting system. |
| 6 March 1997 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to a contamination in the electrical system. |
| 12 May 1998 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to an electrical short circuit in the booster system. At this point, the U.S. Congress reduced funding for the project due to repeated failures. |
| 29 March 1999 | Failure | Failed to hit a test target due to multiple failures, including guidance system. |
| 10 June 1999 | Success | Hit a test target in a simplified test scenario. |
| 2 August 1999 | Success | Hit a test target in the thermosphere at an altitude of Template:Cvt |
Engineering and manufacturing
In June 2000, Lockheed won the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract to turn the design into a mobile tactical army fire unit. In 2006, flight tests of this system resumed with missile characterization and full system tests at White Sands Missile Range, then moved to the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The Interceptor was led through development and initial production by Tory Bruno, who later became the CEO of United Launch Alliance.
| Date | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2005-11-22 | Success | Launched a missile in its first Flight EMD Test, known as FLT-01. The test was deemed a success by Lockheed and the Pentagon.<ref>"Successful THAAD Interceptor Launch Achieved" Template:Webarchive, 22 November 2005.</ref> |
| 2006-05-11 | Success | FLT-02, the first developmental flight test to test the entire system, including interceptor, launcher, radar, and fire control system.<ref>Successful THAAD Integrated System Flight Test Template:Webarchive, 11 May 2006.</ref> |
| 2006-07-12 | Success | FLT-03. Intercepted a live target missile.<ref>Successful THAAD Intercept Flight Template:Webarchive, 12 July 2006.</ref> |
| 2006-09-13 | Aborted | Hera target missile launched, but had to be terminated in mid-flight before the launch of the FLT-04 missile. This has officially been characterized as a "no test".Template:Citation needed |
| Fall 2006 | Cancelled | FLT-05, a missile-only test, was postponed until mid-spring 2007.Template:Citation needed |
| 2007-01-27 | Success | FLT-06. Intercepted a "high endo-atmospheric" (just inside Earth's atmosphere) unitary (non-separating) target representing a "SCUD"-type ballistic missile launched from a mobile platform off Kauai in the Pacific Ocean.<ref>Successful THAAD "High Endo-Atmospheric" Intercept Test Template:Webarchive, 27 January 2007.</ref> |
| 2007-04-06 | Success | FLT-07 test. Intercepted a "mid endo-atmospheric" unitary target missile off Kauai in the Pacific Ocean. It successfully tested THAAD's interoperability with other elements of the MDS system.<ref>"MDA's new THAAD success" Template:Webarchive, Martin Sieff, UPI, 6 April 2007.</ref><ref>"Army, Navy and Air Force shoot down test missile" Template:Webarchive, Tom Finnegan, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 6 April 2007.</ref> |
| 2007-10-27 | Success | Conducted a successful exo-atmospheric test at the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) off Kauai, Hawaii. The flight test demonstrated the system's ability to detect, track and intercept an incoming unitary target above the Earth's atmosphere. The missile was hot-condition tested to prove its ability to operate in extreme environments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2008-06-27 | Success | Downed a missile launched from a C-17 Globemaster III.<ref>"THAAD shoots down missile from C-17". The Associated Press, 27 June 2008.</ref> |
| 2008-09-17 | Aborted | Target missile failed shortly after launch, so neither interceptor was launched. Officially a "no test".<ref>Defense Test ConductedTemplate:Dead link MDA, 27 September 2008.</ref> |
| 2009-03-17 | Success | A repeat of the September flight test. This time it was a success.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2009-12-11 | Aborted | FLT-11: The Hera target missile failed to ignite after air deployment, and the interceptor was not launched. Officially a "no test".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 2010-06-29 | Success | FLT-14: Conducted a successful endo-atmospheric intercept of unitary target at lowest altitude to date. Afterward, exercised Simulation-Over-Live-Driver (SOLD) system to inject multiple simulated targets into the THAAD radar to test system's ability to engage a mass raid of enemy ballistic missiles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2011-10-05 | Success | FLT-12: Conducted a successful endo-atmospheric intercept of two targets with two interceptors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 2012-10-24 | Success | FTI-01 (Flight Test Integrated 01): test of the integration of THAAD with PAC-3 and Aegis against a raid of 5 missiles of different types.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During this engagement THAAD successfully intercepted an Extended Long Range Air Launch Target (E-LRALT) missile dropped from a C-17 north of Wake Island.<ref name=MDA20121025>Template:Cite web</ref> This marked the first time THAAD had intercepted a Medium Range Ballistic Missile (MRBM).<ref name=MDA20121025 /> Two AN/TPY-2 were used in the $180M test, with the forward-based radar feeding data into Aegis and Patriot systems as well as THAAD.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 2017-07-11 | Success | FTT-18 (Flight Test THAAD 18): The FTT-18 test plan was announced to the public on 8 July 2017.<ref>US to test THAAD missile defense system: Report.</ref> The first test of THAAD against an IRBM,<ref name="Reuters11Jul17">Template:Cite web</ref> FTT-18 successfully occurred on 11 July 2017; an Alaska-based THAAD interceptor, launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska on Kodiak island, intercepted its target over Alaska airspace. The FTT-18 target simulated an intermediate-range ballistic missile. It was "launched" near Hawaii from the cargo hold of a C-17, being initially dropped by parachute. From there the mock IRBM proceeded in a north-easterly direction until reaching Alaskan airspace, where it was intercepted.<ref>"US successfully tests THAAD amid North Korean missile tensions". Foxnews.com, 11 July 2017.</ref><ref name=mda11Jul17 >FTT-18 THAAD Flight Test Video (11 July 2017) 2:25 minute clip.</ref> |
| 2017-07-30 | Success | FET-01 (Flight Experiment THAAD 01): In FET-01, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) gathered threat data from a THAAD interceptor in flight. THAAD detected, tracked, and intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), which was launched from a C-17 by parachute.<ref>FET-01 (30 July 2017) video clip.</ref> Soldiers from the 11th ADA Brigade conducted launcher, fire control, and radar operations without foreknowledge of the launch time. The MDA director, Lieutenant General Sam Greaves stated: "In addition to successfully intercepting the target, the data collected will allow MDA to enhance the THAAD weapon system, our modeling and simulation capabilities, and our ability to stay ahead of the evolving threat."<ref name=FET-01>Template:Usurped.</ref> |
<ref name=globalsecurity>THAAD Demonstration-Validation program.</ref><ref name="mda2016">Template:Cite web</ref>
THAAD-ER
Lockheed is pushing for funding for the development of an extended-range (ER) version of the THAAD, to counter maturing threats posed by hypersonic glide vehicles that adversaries may deploy, namely the Chinese WU-14, to penetrate the gap between low- and high-altitude missile defenses. The company performed static fire trials of a modified THAAD booster in 2006 and continued to fund the project until 2008. The current Template:Convert-diameter single-stage booster design would be expanded to a Template:Convert first stage for greater range with a second "kick stage", to close the distance to the target and provide improved velocity at burnout and more lateral movement during an engagement.<ref name="aviationweek8jan15"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Although the kill vehicle would not need redesign, the ground-based launcher would have only five missiles instead of eight. As of 2020, THAAD-ER is only an industry concept, but Lockheed believes that the Missile Defense Agency will show interest because of the weapons under development by potential adversaries.<ref name="aviationweek8jan15">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> If funding for the THAAD-ER begins in 2020, a system could be produced by 2024 to provide an interim capability against a rudimentary hypersonic threat. The Pentagon is researching whether other technologies like directed energy weapons and railguns are better solutions for missile defense. These are expected to become available in the mid to late 2020s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Production
Sometimes called Kinetic Kill technology, the THAAD missile destroys missiles by colliding with them, using hit-to-kill technology, like the MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3, although the PAC-3 also contains a small explosive warhead. This is unlike the Patriot PAC-2, which carried only an explosive warhead detonated using a proximity fuze. Although the actual figures are classified, THAAD missiles have an estimated range of 125 miles (200 km), and can reach an altitude of 93 miles (150 km). A THAAD battery consists of at least six<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> launcher vehicles, each equipped with eight missiles, with two mobile tactical operations centers (TOCs) and the AN/TPY-2 ground-based radar (GBR).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The U.S. Army plans to field at least six THAAD batteries,<ref name="aviationweek8jan15" /> at a purchase cost of US$800 million per battery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2018, the MDA planned to deliver 52 more interceptors to the Army.<ref name=FTT-18 /><ref name=":4" /> In June 2020 the Senate Armed Services Committee draft of the FY2021 DoD budget allocated funding for the eighth THAAD battery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The THAAD missile is manufactured at a Lockheed Martin facility near Troy, Alabama, which performs final integration, assembly and testing. The radar is an X-band active electronically scanned array radar developed and built by Raytheon at its Andover, Massachusetts Integrated Air Defense Facility. The THAAD radar and a variant developed as a forward sensor for ICBM missile defense, the Forward-Based X-Band – Transportable (FBX-T) radar, were assigned a common designator, AN/TPY-2,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in late 2006/early 2007. The THAAD radar can interoperate with Aegis and Patriot systems, in a 3-layer antimissile defense.<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=dLPGdC2016/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
First units equipped
On 28 May 2008, the U.S. Army activated Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-4),<ref>Unit numbering: e.g., "Battery D, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment" would abbreviate as 'D-2' on its guidon</ref> 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Battery A-4 is part of the 32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command. At the time, the battery had 24 THAAD interceptors, three THAAD launchers based on the M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System, a THAAD Fire Control and a THAAD radar. Full fielding began in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> In October 2009, the U.S. Army and the Missile Defense Agency activated the second Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery, Alpha Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-2), at Fort Bliss.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In August 2012, Lockheed received a $150 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to produce THAAD weapon system launchers and fire control and communications equipment for the U.S. Army. The contract included 12 launchers, two fire control and communications units, and support equipment. The contract provided six launchers for THAAD Battery 5 and an additional three launchers each to Batteries 1 and 2. These deliveries will bring all batteries to the standard six launcher configuration.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
General missile defense plans
In May 2017, the Pentagon proposed spending $7.9 billion in its FY 2018 budget on missile defense, which includes THAAD interceptors and Patriot interceptors, along with $1.5 billion for Ground-based Midcourse Defense (GMD) against intercontinental ballistic missiles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Deployments
Israel
In 2012, the U.S. AN/TPY-2 early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren in the Negev desert was the only active foreign military installation in Israel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In March 2019, Bravo Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B-2 THAAD), 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade<ref name="B2,11thADA">Template:Cite web</ref> was deployed at Nevatim Airbase during a joint US–Israeli drill, after which it moved to an undisclosed location in the Negev desert in southern Israel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The X-Band radar system, which is part of the THAAD system, has been deployed at Nevatim since 2008.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 13 October 2024, President Biden directed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to authorize the deployment of a THAAD battery to Israel to "help bolster Israel's air defenses following Iran's unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 27 December 2024, a THAAD battery conducted a successful combat interception of a ballistic missile fired from Yemen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 4 May 2025, Israeli sources told the BBC that a THAAD battery had, along with the Arrow system, failed to intercept a hypersonic missile fired at Ben Gurion Airport from Yemen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 9 May 2025, for the second time in a week, a THAAD failed to down a Houthi missile. Instead, the missile was shot down by an Arrow long-range air defense system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 26 July 2025, reports by The War Zone and The Wall Street Journal stated that approximately 150 THAAD interceptors were fired by U.S. forces during Iran's barrages targeting Israel, representing roughly 25% of all U.S. THAAD interceptors funded to date.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Romania
In 2019, while the Aegis Ashore at NSF Deveselu was being upgraded, B Battery, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B-62 THAAD), was emplaced in NSF Deveselu, Romania during the interim.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
South Korea
Template:Main Template:See also
In October 2013, the South Korean military asked the Pentagon to provide information on the THAAD system concerning prices and capabilities as part of efforts to strengthen defenses against North Korean ballistic missiles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, South Korean Park Geun-hye administration decided it will develop its own indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile instead of buying the THAAD.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> South Korean Defense Ministry officials previously requested information on the THAAD, as well as other missile interceptors like the Israeli Arrow 3, with the intention of researching systems for domestic technology development rather than for purchase. Officials did however state that American deployment of the THAAD system would help in countering North Korean missile threats.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In May 2014, the Pentagon revealed it was studying sites to base THAAD batteries in South Korea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The deployment was opposed by China and Russia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> In February 2016, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that having THAAD in South Korea would "shatter the regional strategic balance" and that the system exceeded South Korea's need.<ref name="Reuters">Template:Cite news</ref> In 2017, a Chinese military official said that the deployment had a negative influence on "bilateral military ties and mutual trust" with the United States.<ref name="China military criticizes 'wrong' U.S. moves on Taiwan, South China Sea | Reuters2">Template:Cite news</ref> Western experts say that the range of THAAD's radar and interceptors should not pose a threat to China, and the U.S. has had similar capabilities in Taiwan and Japan for years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Chinese officials believe that its location in South Korea would allow THAAD's radar to detect Chinese missile launches from behind during their boost phase and differentiate between decoys and warheads, sharing information with the rest of the U.S.-led network. This would erode China's nuclear deterrence, which has a much smaller stockpile compared to the United States and Russia. Missile tests in China usually pointed away from Korea, but that trajectory may also need to be reversed in order to minimize detection by THAAD.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Chinese officials asked South Korea to downgrade the radar of the missile defence system, but no adjustments were made.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In July 2016, American and South Korean military officials announced the deployment of THAAD system in South Korea, following ballistic missile and nuclear tests by North Korea. Each THAAD unit consists of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, a fire control and communications unit, and an AN/TPY-2 radar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Seongju County in North Gyeongsang Province was chosen as a THAAD site, partly because it is out of range of North Korean rocket artillery along the DMZ.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This sparked protests from Seongju County residents, who feared that radiation emitted by the AN/TPY-2 radar would impact their health, and damage the region's famed oriental melon crop.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 30 September 2016, the U.S. and South Korea announced that THAAD would be relocated to the Lotte Skyhill Seongju Country Club, farther from the town's main residential areas and higher in elevation, to alleviate concerns.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 6 March 2017, two THAAD launcher trucks arrived by air transport at Osan Air Base South Korea, for a deployment.<ref name=OsanAB /><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=Mullany>Template:Cite news</ref> Earlier that day, North Korea had launched 4 missiles.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=OsanAB>Template:Cite web</ref> A Reuters article stated that with the THAAD defense system, a North Korean missile barrage would still pose a threat to South Korea,<ref name=Pearson>Template:Cite news</ref> while an article in the International Journal of Space Politics & Policy said that South Korean forces already possess Patriot systems for point defense and Aegis destroyers capable of stopping ballistic missiles that may come from the north,<ref name=dLPGdC2016>Template:Cite journal</ref>Template:Page neededTemplate:Original research inline in a three-layer antimissile defense for South Korea.<ref name=":2" /> On 16 March 2017, a THAAD radar arrived in South Korea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The THAAD system is kept at Osan Air Base<ref name=Raddetz20170416>A view of the command posts at Osan Air base: 'Fight Tonight': Rare look at US defense against North Korea access-date=2017-04-16</ref> until the site where the system is due to be deployed is prepared, with an expected ready date of June 2017.<ref name="Taylor">Template:Cite news</ref> Osan Air Base has blast-hardened command posts with 3 levels of blast doors.<ref name=Raddetz20170416 />Template:Rp
By 25 April 2017, six trailers carrying the THAAD radar, interceptor launchers, communications, and support equipment entered the Seongju site.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 30 April 2017, it was reported that South Korea would bear the cost of the land and facilities for THAAD, while the US will pay for operating it.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 2 May 2017, Moon Sang-gyun, with the South Korean Defense Ministry, and Col. Robert Manning III, a spokesman for the U.S. military, announced that the THAAD system in Seongju is operational and "has the ability to intercept North Korean missiles and defend South Korea."<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
It was reported that the system would not reach its full operational potential until later in 2017, when additional elements of the system were onsite.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 7 June 2017, President Moon Jae-in suspended further THAAD deployment pending a review, after discovering four additional launchers had entered South Korea without the defense ministry informing him.<ref name=usatoday-20170607>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=cnbc-20170726>Template:Cite news</ref> The 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (United States) has integrated THAAD into its layered defense on the Korean Peninsula,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> denoted Combined Task Force Defender, composed of both US and ROK personnel.<ref name=25oct2017 />
Even in the face of a North Korean ICBM test on 4 July 2017, which newly threatens Alaska, a Kodiak, Alaska-based THAAD interceptor test (FTT-18)<ref name=FTT-18>Template:Cite news</ref> against a simulated attack by an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile had long been planned.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> FTT-18 was successfully completed by Battery A-2 THAAD (Battery A, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense)<ref name=A2thaad>Template:Usurped access-date=2017-07-20</ref> of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (United States) on 11 July 2017.<ref name=Reuters11Jul17 /><ref name=mda11Jul17 /> The soldiers used the procedures of an actual combat scenario and were not aware of the IRBM's launch time.<ref name=A2thaad />
Also in 2017 another Kodiak launch of a THAAD interceptor was scheduled in July, in preparation for a possible ICBM test by North Korea.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 28 July 2017, North Korea launched a test ICBM capable of reaching Los Angeles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In response, President Moon Jae-in called for deployment of the four remaining THAAD launchers which were put on hold when he came to power.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="6sep17">Template:Cite web</ref>
Lee Jong-kul, of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's Democratic Party of Korea stated "The nuclear and missile capabilities of North Korea…have been upgraded to pose serious threats; the international cooperation system to keep the North in check has been nullified...", citing tensions over the U.S. deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system in South Korea.<ref>Burton, John. (26 July 2017) "Moon's nuclear option" The Korea Times (a sister publication of Hankook Ilbo 한국일보)] Quote: Absent a North Korean response to the request for de-nuclearization talks, South Korea has mooted its nuclear options: "If North Korea continues to conduct nuclear weapon and missile tests while the North Korean nuclear negotiations are sluggish, South Korea should decide whether to break the principle of denuclearization and start developing nuclear weapons," —Lee Jong-kul.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Atlantic Council, in the June 2017 memorandum "Eliminating the Growing Threat Posed by North Korean Nuclear Weapons" to President Trump, recommended a checklist of actions, including the following declarations to North Korea.<ref name=Growing_Threat_North_Korean_Nuclear/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- No use of WMDs, or it will result in a unified Korea under Seoul after the North's assured destruction.
- No export of nuclear equipment or fissile material; it will be intercepted, and the US will respond.
- No missile or missile test aimed at ROK (South Korea), Japan, or the US; it can then be shot down or pre-empted.<ref name=Growing_Threat_North_Korean_Nuclear>Pavel, Barry and Robert A. Manning (27 June 2017) "Eliminating the Growing Threat Posed by North Korean Nuclear Weapons" Template:Webarchive (pdf). The Atlantic Council</ref>
On 30 July 2017, a Kodiak-sited THAAD interceptor shot down an MRBM which launched over the Pacific Ocean, the 15th successful test.<ref>(30 July 2017) US military hits target missile in THAAD interceptor test Interception at minute 1:04 of 1:20 video clip duration</ref> The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) director emphasized the data collection from the intercept, which enhances the modelling and scenario simulation capabilities of the MDA.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> John Schilling estimates the current accuracy of the North's Hwasong-14 as poor at the mooted ranges<ref name=jschilling071017 /> which threaten US cities,<ref name=idUSKBN1AG2J4 >Template:Cite news</ref> which would require more testing<ref name=payloadBreakup >Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=payloadBreakupVideo>Payload Breakup Video: nhk static camera setup on Hokkaido island 26-second video clip</ref><ref name="MElleman">Template:Cite web</ref> to prove its accuracy.<ref name="jschilling071017">Template:Cite web</ref>
In August 2017, The New York Times reviewed the anti-missile options that are available to counter a planned salvo of four Hwasong-12 missiles, were they to be launched in mid-August 2017 from the North, and aimed to land just outside the territorial waters of Guam,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> a distance of Template:Convert, flying at altitudes exceeding Template:Convert, in a flight of 1,065 seconds (18 minutes).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> These options for the missile defense of South Korea include "sea-based, Patriots and THAAD" according to General John E. Hyten, commander of U.S. Strategic Command.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 2 September 2017, the North Korean news agency KCNA released a photograph of an elongated payload,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> intended to fit in the warhead of one of its missiles.<ref name="2Sep17implications">Template:Cite web</ref> On 3 September 2017, both Japan's Foreign Ministry and the South Korean Joint Chiefs announced the detection of a magnitude 6.3 seismic event, centered near Punggye-ri, which is North Korea's underground nuclear test site.<ref>Jeffrey Lewis (13 September 2017) SAR image of Punggye-ri Note especially the 'before and after' comparison of Mount Mantap, a subsidence of several meters spread over 85 acres, in the grey-scale gif which superimposed images of 26 August – 6 September 2017.</ref> Japan's Foreign Ministry has concluded that the event was the North's sixth nuclear test.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Choe Sang-hun of the New York Times reports that the test was a major embarrassment for China's Paramount leader Xi Jinping, who was hosting a BRICS summit (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in Xiamen, China. Cheng Xiaohe, an expert on North Korea at China's Renmin University, said the timing of the test appears to be deliberate.<ref name=nyt2sep17>Template:Cite news</ref> China's Foreign Ministry urged the North to "stop taking wrong actions",<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and agreed that further UN actions are needed to resolve the impending crisis.<ref name=4ThaadsPhoto>Template:Cite news</ref> By creating a thermonuclear-capable payload for at least one of its missiles,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the North has created a need for THAAD, which is capable of intercepting ICBM threats at the lower altitudes and ranges<ref name=jschilling071017 /> estimated for a Hwasong-14 ICBM subjected to the load of a heavier warhead needed to carry a thermonuclear weapon.
In October 2017, Battery D, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, reflagged with the 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade in preparation for a permanent change of station to South Korea.<ref name="25oct2017">Template:Cite web</ref> In the interim before THAAD D-2's permanent transfer to South Korea with their families, THAAD Battery A-4 will deploy to South Korea.<ref name=25oct2017 />
The South Korean decision to deploy THAAD to protect itself against North Korea caused backlash and retaliation measures from China.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 30 October 2017, South Korea and China agreed to normalize relations, previously damaged due to the THAAD deployment.<ref name=Reuters30oct2017>Template:Cite news</ref>
Turkey
According to U.S. officials the AN/TPY-2 radar was deployed at Turkey's Kürecik Air Force base.<ref>"U.S. Maintains Full Control of Turkish-Based Radar" Defense News, 30 January 2012</ref> The radar was activated in January 2012.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
United Arab Emirates
In December 2011, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a deal to purchase the missile defense system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The United Arab Emirates (UAE) graduated its first two THAAD unit classes at Fort Bliss in 2015 and 2016.<ref>Template:Usurped</ref> Its first live-fire exercises with Patriot missiles took place in 2014.Template:Fact
On 17 January 2022, THAAD made its first real-world intercept against an incoming Houthi ballistic missile in the UAE.<ref name="defensenews.com"/>
United States
Hawaii
In June 2009, the United States deployed a THAAD unit to Hawaii, along with the SBX sea-based radar, to defend against a possible North Korean launch targeting the archipelago.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Guam
In April 2013, the United States declared that Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-4), would be deployed to Guam to defend against a possible North Korean IRBM attack targeting the island.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="elpasotimes">Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2014, Alpha Battery, 2nd ADA RGT (A-2), did a change of responsibility with A-4 and took over the Defense of Guam Mission. After a successful 12-month deployment by A-4, Delta 2 (D-2) took its place for a 12-month deployment. In 2018-2019 Echo Battery, 3rd ADA Regiment (E-3) deployed to Guam.
Wake Island
In November 2015, a THAAD system was a key component of Campaign Fierce Sentry Flight Test Operational-02 Event 2 (FTO-02 E2), a complex $230 million missile defense system test event conducted at Wake Island and the surrounding ocean areas.<ref name=FTO-02e>Template:Cite web</ref> The objective was to test the ability of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense and THAAD weapon systems to defeat a raid of three near-simultaneous air and missile targets, consisting of one medium-range ballistic missile, one short-range ballistic missile and one cruise missile target. During the test, a THAAD system on Wake Island detected and destroyed a short-range target simulating a short-range ballistic missile<ref name=FTO-02e />Template:Rp that was launched by parachute ejected from a C-17 transport aircraft. At the same time, the THAAD system and the USS John Paul Jones guided missile destroyer both launched missiles to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile,<ref name=FTO-02e />Template:Rp launched by parachute from a second C-17.<ref>"USS John Paul Jones participates in ballistic missile defense test" Template:Webarchive, Ho'okele – Pearl Harbor – Hickam News, 6 November 2015.</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Future deployments: firm orders and possible plans
Europe and the Middle East
By March 2016, Army Space and Missile Defense Command was considering THAAD deployments to Europe with EUCOM and the Middle East with CENTCOM.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Japan
In November 2015, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani said he would consider the U.S. deploying the THAAD in Japan to counter the threat of North Korean ballistic missiles.<ref name=24Nov2015>Japan is considering deployment of US missile defense system including the THAAD – Armyrecognition.com, 24 November 2015</ref> By October 2016, Japan was considering procuring either THAAD or Aegis Ashore to add a new missile defense layer.<ref name=17Oct2016>"Japan may accelerate missile defense upgrades in wake of North Korean tests: sources". Reuters.com, 17 October 2016</ref> In May 2017 it was reported that Japan government officials now favor the Aegis Ashore system as it comes with a wider coverage area, which would mean fewer units needed to protect Japan, and it is also cheaper.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
At the Center for a New American Security 2017 conference, citing publicly available sources and simulations of strikes against US bases in Asia,<ref name=CNAS2017>Shugart and Gonzalez (28 June 2017) First Strike: China's Missile Threat to U.S. Bases in Asia. Center for a New American Security</ref> two Navy Fellows, Commanders Shugart and Gonzalez, USN noted that two more Patriot batteries, two more Aegis ships, and five more THAAD batteries would counter China's published SRBM (short-range) and MRBM (medium-range) capabilities against Japan.<ref name="28Jun2017">Template:Cite web</ref>
Russia has opposed the missile acquisitions<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and fears that the US will have access to the management of Aegis Ashore missile defense complexes after their deployment in Japan. "We do not know of any cases anywhere in the world when the United States deployed its weapons and transferred control over them to the country in whose territory it all happened. I very much doubt that they will make an exception and in this case," concluded the Russian Foreign Minister.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Discuss
In 2020, Japan suspended plans to acquire the Aegis Ashore system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Japanese government said that they were concerned about environmental issues caused by the system dropping spent boosters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Local citizens of the areas chosen to place the system also protested the acquisition, saying that such placement would guarantee strikes on their homes during wartime.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:As of the Japanese government had not made it clear whether or not they would re-evaluate purchasing THAAD systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Oman
In May 2013, Oman announced a deal for the acquisition of the THAAD air defense system.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, a sale has not been announced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Qatar
During a visit to Qatar on 14 May 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced an agreement for Qatar to acquire $42 billion worth of advanced military equipment from the US. A prominent part of this agreement covers the acquisition of THAAD systems to enhance Qatar's missile air defense capabilities.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Saudi Arabia
In October 2017, the US reached a deal to provide Saudi Arabia with THAAD, in a deal worth $15 billion.<ref name="6Oct2017">Template:Cite news</ref> The deal included seven fire units, each with a Raytheon AN/TPY-2 radar, two mobile tactical stations (with two spares for a total of 16), and six launchers (with two spares for a total of 44), and 360 interceptor missiles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Taiwan
In 2017, a Hong Kong–based media report claimed that THAAD could be deployed in Taiwan to intercept People's Republic of China missiles.<ref>Template:Cite news </ref> However, Taiwan's Foreign Minister, David Lee, said he was unaware of any talks with the US about possible deployment. Local military experts said that it was neither necessary nor affordable for Taiwan to deploy THAAD because China is threatening Taiwan with short-range missiles, whereas THAAD is designed to shoot down medium and long-range missiles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In March 2017, the Minister of National Defense, Feng Shih-kuan, said that he was firmly opposed to the deployment of a THAAD system in Taiwan. Feng's deputy minister, Cheng De-mei, during a Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee Q&A session held in April 2017, said that Taiwan did not need a THAAD system in the short term because its US-made phased-array radar system at Hsinchu County’s Leshan base was on par with the THAAD system in terms of detection capability; this was described as being "in slight contrast with Minister of National Defense Feng Shih-kuan's last month."<ref name="TPT">Template:Cite news</ref>
Freddy Lim urged the ministry during the same Q&A session "to procure whatever is necessary to ensure the nation’s defense capabilities, which could not be compromised due to China's pressure."<ref name=TPT/> Taiwan's existing early warning system, built by the manufacturer of the THAAD radar, can serve to counter China's missile launches.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Operators
Current
- Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces – First battery activated in July 2025, 6 more to be procured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- United Arab Emirates Air Force – 2 batteries<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- United States Army – The US has 7 batteries of THAAD, which will expand to 8 batteries in the future.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- A Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-2 ADA)
- B Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B-2 ADA)
- D Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (D-2 ADA)
- E Battery, 3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (E-3 ADA)
- A Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (A-4 ADA)
- B Battery, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B-62 ADA)
- E Battery, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (E-62 ADA)
Future
- Qatar is reportedly set to acquire THAAD. This was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to the country in May 2025.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
- Arrow (Israeli missile)
- Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems
- Template:Lwc
- Template:Lwc
- Template:Lwc
- Prithvi Defence Vehicle—Indian high altitude anti-ballistic missile system
- Project Kusha, under development by India
- Template:Lwc
- Template:Lwc
- Taiwan Sky Bow Ballistic Missile Defense System
References
External links
- Lockheed Martin THAAD web page
- MDA THAAD page
- THAAD program details
- THAAD program history on designation-systems.net
- TPY-2 X-band Radar on Missile Threat CSIS site
- DEM-VAL and EMD testing
- THAAD First Successful Intercept, 10 June 1999
- THAAD Second Successful Intercept, 2 August 1999
- THAAD Equipment Arrives in Hawaii, 18 October 2006
- Successful THAAD Radar Target Tracking Test, 8 March 2007
- THAAD Radar Supports Successful Aegis BMD Intercept, 22 June 2007
Template:United States Missile Defense Template:Lockheed Martin Template:United Arab Emirates–United States relations
- Pages with broken file links
- Missile Defense Agency
- Missile defense
- Anti-aircraft warfare
- Anti-ballistic missiles of the United States
- Surface-to-air missiles of the United States
- Lockheed Martin
- Boeing
- Honeywell
- BAE Systems
- Raytheon Company
- Rocketdyne
- Anti-South Korean sentiment in China
- Military equipment introduced in the 2000s
- Israel–United States military relations
- South Korea–United States military relations
- Romania–United States military relations
- United Arab Emirates–United States relations