Missile Defense Milestone: THAAD System Successfully Engages Target in Pivotal Flight Test
Successful THAAD Test Demonstrates Advanced Missile Defense Capabilities
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, developed by Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully intercepting a target during a missile defense test conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, with essential collaboration from the U.S. Army.
Located at the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, the THAAD system demonstrated its capabilities by detecting, tracking, and intercepting a representative intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) target. This test marks the first successful IRBM interception for the THAAD system.
During the test, known as Flight Test THAAD (FTT)-18, the THAAD radar initially detected and tracked the target. Subsequently, the system developed an effective fire control solution and successfully launched an interceptor that destroyed the target’s reentry vehicle through a direct collision.
“Today’s successful test highlighted how flawlessly our THAAD system operates,” stated Richard McDaniel, vice president of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense Systems at Lockheed Martin. “The continued success of THAAD reinforces its ability to intercept and neutralize various ballistic missile threats, safeguarding citizens, deployed forces, and international allies across the globe.”
Notably, this marks the 14th successful intercept for the THAAD system out of 14 attempts since 2005, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness.
Utilizing hit-to-kill technology, the THAAD system neutralizes threats through direct impact, ensuring the safety of valuable assets on the ground. Its design allows for quick deployment, high mobility, and seamless integration with other elements of the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS), including Patriot/PAC-3, Aegis systems, forward-based sensors, and the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications (C2BMC) system.
