A Decade of THAAD in the UAE: Celebrating Innovation and Strategic Alliances

Lockheed Martin’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Achievements in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked several milestones with Lockheed Martin’s THAAD system: it was the first foreign military sale (FMS) from the Missile Defense Agency, the first delivery of THAAD hardware to an international partner, and the initiation of THAAD’s operational engagements.

The delivery of the inaugural THAAD battery to the UAE in October 2015 solidified its role as a crucial component of the nation’s missile defense strategy. This partnership reflects a long-term vision of fostering regional stability. With the existing Patriot PAC-3 systems in operation, the integration of THAAD positioned the UAE as a carrier of one of the world’s most advanced layered air and missile defense systems.

The Journey to THAAD’s Initial FMS Case

For half a century, Lockheed Martin and the UAE have collaborated to enhance defensive capabilities and secure the region. The UAE’s interest in THAAD emerging in 2007 led to pivotal discussions with the Missile Defense Agency, aimed at countering growing ballistic missile threats from regional adversaries. The primary goal was clear: to acquire a defense system capable of intercepting threats before they jeopardized populated areas and vital assets on the ground. This groundwork eventually led the UAE to become the first international adoptee of the THAAD system.

“The decision to deploy THAAD in the UAE stemmed from a shared commitment to regional stability through effective deterrence, safeguarding citizens, and protecting essential infrastructure,” noted Dawn Golightly, vice president of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin. “When the UAE became our first FMS customer, it marked a significant milestone in our ongoing collaboration.”

From Concept to Reality: THAAD’s Operational Readiness

The first THAAD battery, featuring mobile launchers, missiles, an AN/TPY2 radar, and a fire control system, commenced its arrival in Abu Dhabi in October 2015. Subsequently, newly trained UAE personnel, alongside Lockheed Martin and Raytheon experts, executed numerous system tests to validate functionality and prepare the UAE for operational deployment.

For the UAE, THAAD serves as a cornerstone of deterrence capabilities and is primed for action when necessary. This was underscored in January 2022, when THAAD effectively intercepted multiple hostile medium-range ballistic missiles. These inaugural operational engagements not only confirmed the system’s effectiveness against ballistic missile threats but also signaled the strength of the UAE’s Integrated Air & Missile Defense (IAMD) architecture. It showcased the critical importance of the collaborative training and operational framework established between the U.S. government, Lockheed Martin, and the UAE Air Force & Air Defense (AFAD)—a model successfully replicated in THAAD’s global deployments. The system’s interoperability with UAE command-and-control assets further validated its capacity to function seamlessly within diverse missile defense architectures.

Strategic Implications Beyond the Battlefield

The deployment of THAAD in the UAE constitutes a vital element of a comprehensive defense strategy. It acts as a formidable deterrent to potential adversaries, embodying the UAE’s vision and resolve to safeguard its interests. As the UAE celebrates a decade of THAAD’s contributions to national security, Lockheed Martin remains committed to enhancing system capabilities and upholding the principle of peace through strength.