View source for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense

{{Short description|US ballistic missile defense system}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2016}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
| image              = The first of two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors is launched during a successful intercept test - US Army.jpg
| image_size         = 300px
| caption            = A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor being fired during an exercise in 2013
| alt                =
| origin             = United States
| type               = Mobile [[anti-ballistic missile]] system
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          =
| is_bladed          =
| is_explosive       =
| is_artillery       =
| is_vehicle         = yes
| is_missile         = yes
| is_UK              = no
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 2008–present
| used_by            = [[United States Army]]
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]]
| design_date        = 1992–1999
| manufacturer       = [[Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control]]
| production_date    = 2008–present
| number             = numerous
| unit_cost          = $1.25 billion per battery<br/>$12.6 million per missile (FY2017)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aspi.org.au/opinion/australia-can-do-better-thaad-or-iron-dome-defences |title=Australia can do better than THAAD or Iron Dome defences |website=Australian Strategic Policy Institute}}</ref>
<!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         =
| weight             = {{convert|900|kg|lb|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="astronautix"/>
| length             = {{convert|6.17|m|ftin|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="astronautix">{{cite web
|url=http://www.astronautix.com/t/thaad.html
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423013243/http://astronautix.com/t/thaad.html
|archive-date=2021-04-23
|title=THAAD
|website=Encyclopedia Astronautica
|first1=Mark
|last1=Wade
|first2=Andreas
|last2=Parsch
|url-status=dead
|access-date=2021-06-19}}</ref>
| part_length        =
| width              =
| height             =
| diameter           = {{convert|340|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} (booster); {{convert|370|mm|in|abbr=on|order=flip}} (kill vehicle)<ref name="astronautix"/>
| crew               =
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
| engine             = Single-stage rocket
| engine_power       =
| pw_ratio           =
| payload_capacity   =
| clearance          =
| wingspan           =
| propellant         = Pratt & Whitney solid-fueled rocket
| fuel_capacity      =
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|200|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="astronautix"/>
| ceiling            = {{convert|150|km|mi|abbr=on|order=flip}}<ref name="astronautix"/>
| altitude           =
| boost              =
| speed              = {{convert|2800|m/s|mph m/s km/h Mach|abbr=on|order=out}}<ref name="astronautix"/>
| guidance           = [[Indium antimonide|Indium-antimonide]] [[Thermographic camera|imaging infra-red]] seeker head
| steering           =
| accuracy           = 0&nbsp;ft (hit to kill)
| launch_platform    =
| transport          = [[Transporter erector launcher|TEL]]
}}
'''Terminal High Altitude Area Defense''' ('''THAAD'''), formerly '''Theater High Altitude Area Defense''', is an American [[Anti-ballistic missile|anti-ballistic]] [[missile defense]] system designed to intercept and destroy [[Short-range ballistic missile|short-]], [[Medium-range ballistic missile|medium-]], and [[intermediate-range ballistic missile]]s in their terminal phase (descent or [[reentry]]).<ref>[http://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a279085.pdf Development of a Hit-to-Kill Guidance Algorithm for Kinetic Energy Weapons, 1988]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827203035/https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a279085.pdf |date=27 August 2020 }}.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mehta |first=Aaron |date=25 February 2016 |title=PACOM Head Supports Exercises Near China, Talks THAAD |url=https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2016/02/25/pacom-head-supports-exercises-near-china-talks-thaad/ |website=Defense News}}</ref> The THAAD interceptor carries no warhead, instead relying on its kinetic [[hit-to-kill|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>[http://terms.naver.com/entry.nhn?docId=929232&cid=50299&categoryId=50299 "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">{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=14 August 2019 |title=Slippery slope: MDA boss fights transfer of missile defense system to Army |url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/smd/2019/08/14/mda-director-opposes-transfer-of-terminal-missile-defense-system-to-army/ |website=Defense News}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Jeremy |date=5 September 2006 |title=Pentagon To Accelerate THAAD Deployment |url=http://www.space.com/spacenews/archive06/thaad_0904.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210021745/http://www.space.com/spacenews/archive06/thaad_0904.html |archive-date=10 February 2009 |website=space.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 March 2012 |title=Lockheed Martin completes delivery of all components of 1st THAAD battery to U.S. Army |url=http://www.yourdefencenews.com/lockheed%2Bmartin%2Bcompletes%2Bdelivery%2Bof%2Ball%2Bcomponents%2Bof%2B1st%2Bthaad%2Bbattery%2Bto%2Bu.s.%2Barmy_75018.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130143420/http://www.yourdefencenews.com/lockheed+martin+completes+delivery+of+all+components+of+1st+thaad+battery+to+u.s.+army_75018.html |archive-date=30 November 2012 |website=Your Defence News}}</ref> THAAD has been deployed in the [[United Arab Emirates]], 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">{{Cite web |last1=Judson |first1=Jen |last2=Gould |first2=Joe |date=2022-01-21 |title=THAAD, in first operational use, destroys midrange ballistic missile in Houthi attack |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2022/01/21/thaad-in-first-operational-use-destroys-midrange-ballistic-missile-in-houthi-attack/ |access-date=2023-10-05 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref>
== Development ==
[[File:Wfm thaad diagram.svg|thumb|right|THAAD missile diagram]]
The THAAD [[missile defense]] concept was proposed in 1987, with a formal request for proposals submitted to industry in 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title= |url=https://news.usni.org/2024/10/17/report-to-congress-on-the-terminal-high-altitude-area-defense-thaad-system}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/theaterhighaltit00atki|title=The Theater High Altitude Area Defense program: an interim examination of its acquisition strategy|first=James W.|last=Atkinson|date=13 August 1996|publisher=Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School;Springfield, Va.: Available from National Technical Information Service|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> In September 1992, the US Army selected [[Lockheed Corporation|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 missile]]s.
The vulnerability and lethality analyses of THAAD have been conducted by the [[United States Army Research Laboratory|U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL)]]. The vulnerability assessment for the THAAD featured an evaluation of the effects of major electromagnetic elements. This included [[EM interference]], [[EM radiation]] operations, EM radiation hazards, [[EM pulse]], [[electrostatic discharge]], and lightning effects on components of the THAAD system.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=March 1, 2011|title=Envisioning the Army of the Future, 1998-2001|url=https://www.arl.army.mil/www/default.cfm?page=491|access-date=August 17, 2018|website=United States Army Research Laboratory}}</ref>
The ARL assessments were designed to determine the THAAD 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>{{Cite journal|date=January 1999|title=Army Research Laboratory. 1999 Annual Review|url=http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA383167|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611070419/http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA383167|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 June 2017|journal=Army Research Laboratory|via=Defense Technical Information Center}}</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 countermeasure|infrared countermeasures (IRCMs)]].<ref name=":0" />
The THAAD system is being designed, built, and integrated by [[Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control]] acting as prime contractor. Key subcontractors include [[Raytheon Missiles & Defense|Raytheon]], [[Boeing Defense, Space & Security|Boeing]], [[Aerojet Rocketdyne]], [[Honeywell]], [[BAE Systems]], [[Oshkosh Corporation|Oshkosh Defense]], and [[Caterpillar Inc.|MiltonCAT]].<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Barnes |first1=Julian E. |last2=Entous |first2=Adam |date=2013-04-03 |title=U.S. to Send Missile-Defense Battery to Guam |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323916304578400700347158398.html |access-date= |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>
[[File:THAAD_Pacific_Missile_Range.ogv|thumb|right|Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System Test, FTT-09 [[Pacific Missile Range Facility]], 25 June 2008]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Demonstration and validation<ref name=globalsecurity /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) |url=https://missilethreat.csis.org/system/thaad/ |access-date=2024-10-21 |website=Missile Threat |language=en-US}}</ref>
! scope="col" | Date
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" | Notes
|-
! scope="row" | 21 April 1995
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| First test flight to prove the propulsion system. There was no target in the test.
|-
! scope="row" | 31 July 1995
| Aborted
| Kill vehicle control test. The test flight was aborted. There was no target in the test.
|-
! scope="row" | 13 October 1995
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Launched to test its target-seeking system. There was no attempt to hit the target in the test.
|-
! scope="row" | 13 December 1995
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to software errors in the missile's fuel system.
|-
! scope="row" | 22 March 1996
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to mechanical problems with the kill vehicle's booster separation.
|-
! scope="row" | 15 July 1996
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to a malfunction in the targeting system.
|-
! scope="row" | 6 March 1997
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to a contamination in the electrical system.
|-
! scope="row" | 12 May 1998
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| 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.
|-
! scope="row" | 29 March 1999
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to multiple failures, including guidance system.
|-
! scope="row" | 10 June 1999
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Hit a test target in a simplified test scenario.
|-
! scope="row" | 2 August 1999
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Hit a test target in the thermosphere at an altitude of {{cvt|147|km|mi|order=flip}}
|}
=== 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]].
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Date
! Result
! Notes
|-
| 2005-11-22
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>[http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/05news0011.pdf "Successful THAAD Interceptor Launch Achieved"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060903045954/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/05news0011.pdf |date=3 September 2006 }}, 22 November 2005.</ref>
|-
| 2006-05-11
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FLT-02, the first developmental flight test to test the entire system, including interceptor, launcher, radar, and fire control system.<ref>[http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0017.pdf Successful THAAD Integrated System Flight Test] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060618060304/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0017.pdf |date=18 June 2006 }}, 11 May 2006.</ref>
|-
| 2006-07-12
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FLT-03. Intercepted a live target missile.<ref>[http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0019.pdf Successful THAAD Intercept Flight] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060720092249/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0019.pdf |date=20 July 2006 }}, 12 July 2006.</ref>
|-
| 2006-09-13
| Aborted
| [[Hera (rocket)|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".{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
|-
| Fall 2006
| Cancelled
| FLT-05, a missile-only test, was postponed until mid-spring 2007.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}}
|-
| 2007-01-27
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>[http://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0023.pdf Successful THAAD "High Endo-Atmospheric" Intercept Test] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930160430/http://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0023.pdf |date=30 September 2007 }}, 27 January 2007.</ref>
|-
| 2007-04-06
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>[http://news.monstersandcritics.com/intelandterror/article_1288160.php/BMD_Focus_MDA%60s_new_THAAD_success "MDA's new THAAD success"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409101803/http://news.monstersandcritics.com/intelandterror/article_1288160.php/BMD_Focus_MDA%60s_new_THAAD_success |date=9 April 2007 }}, Martin Sieff, UPI, 6 April 2007.</ref><ref>[http://starbulletin.com/2007/04/06/news/story07.html "Army, Navy and Air Force shoot down test missile"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724121954/http://starbulletin.com/2007/04/06/news/story07.html |date=24 July 2008 }}, Tom Finnegan, ''[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]]'', 6 April 2007.</ref>
|-
| 2007-10-27
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>{{cite web |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/10-27-2007/0004691528&EDATE= |title=Press Release by Lockheed Martin on Newswires |location=Texas |publisher=Prnewswire.com |date=26 October 2007 |access-date=24 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210105424/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=104&STORY=%2Fwww%2Fstory%2F10-27-2007%2F0004691528&EDATE= |archive-date=10 February 2009 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://frontierindia.net/thaad-weapon-system-conducts-successful-exo-atmospheric-interceptor-test/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071030142136/http://frontierindia.net/thaad-weapon-system-conducts-successful-exo-atmospheric-interceptor-test/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 October 2007 |title=31st successful 'hit to kill' intercept in 39 tests |publisher=Frontierindia.net |date=27 October 2007 |access-date=24 January 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| 2008-06-27
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Downed a missile launched from a [[C-17 Globemaster III]].<ref>[http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20080709005838/http://airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_thaad_062608/ "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>[http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/08news0078.pdf/Missile Defense Test Conducted]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]], 27 September 2008.</ref>
|-
| 2009-03-17
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| A repeat of the September flight test. This time it was a success.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/html/thaad1.html |title= Terminal High Altitude Area Defense |publisher= [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]] |date= 17 March 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090326071939/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/html/thaad1.html |archive-date= 26 March 2009}}</ref>
|-
| 2009-12-11
| Aborted
| FLT-11: The [[Hera (rocket)|Hera]] target missile failed to ignite after air deployment, and the interceptor was not launched. Officially a "no test".<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/12/12/news/kauai_news/doc4b2340ec88a64507181422.txt |title= Officials investigating cause of missile failure |newspaper= [[The Garden Island]] |date= 12 December 2009 |access-date= 12 December 2009 |archive-date= 30 October 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201030003128/http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/12/12/news/kauai_news/doc4b2340ec88a64507181422.txt |url-status= dead }}</ref>
|-
| 2010-06-29
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>{{cite web |url= http://www.mda.mil/news/10news0008.html |title= THAAD System Intercepts Target in Successful Missile Defense Flight Test |website= [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]] |date= 29 June 2010 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110811015330/http://www.mda.mil/news/10news0008.html |archive-date= 11 August 2011 |df= dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
| 2011-10-05
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FLT-12: Conducted a successful endo-atmospheric intercept of two targets with two interceptors.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_100511_THAADAchievesIntercept.html |title= THAAD Weapon System Achieves Intercept of Two Targets at Pacific Missile Range Facility |website= [[Lockheed Martin]] |date= 5 October 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111209040121/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_100511_THAADAchievesIntercept.html |archive-date= 9 December 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| 2012-10-24
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>{{cite web | url=http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/FTI_01_factsheet.pdf | title=FTI-01 Mission Data Sheet | publisher=Missile Defense Agency | date=15 October 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030070848/http://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/FTI_01_factsheet.pdf | archive-date=30 October 2012 | df=dmy-all }}</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>{{cite web | url=http://www.mda.mil/news/12news0011.html | date=25 October 2012 | title=Ballistic Missile Defense System Engages Five Targets Simultaneously During Largest Missile Defense Flight Test in History | publisher=Missile Defense Agency | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130216022117/http://www.mda.mil/news/12news0011.html | archive-date=16 February 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</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>{{cite news | url=http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=/article-xml/AW_11_05_2012_p37-512323.xml | title=Pentagon Begins To Tackle Air Defense 'Raid' Threat | first=Amy | last=Butler | newspaper=Aviation Week & Space Technology | date=5 November 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327211648/http://www.aviationweek.com/Article.aspx?id=%2Farticle-xml%2FAW_11_05_2012_p37-512323.xml | archive-date=27 March 2013 | df=dmy-all }}</ref>
|-
| 2017-07-11
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FTT-18 (Flight Test THAAD 18): The FTT-18 test plan was announced to the public on 8 July 2017.<ref>[http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/us-to-test-thaad-missile-defense-system-report/article/2628034 US to test THAAD missile defense system: Report].</ref> The first test of THAAD against an IRBM,<ref name="Reuters11Jul17">{{Cite web |last1=Stewart |first1=Phil |last2=Ali |first2=Idrees |date=12 July 2017 |title=U.S. THAAD missile defenses hit test target as North Korea tension rises |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa-defenses-idUSKBN19W15R/ |website=Reuters}}</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>[https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-successfully-tests-thaad-missile-system-amid-north-korean-tensions "US successfully tests THAAD amid North Korean missile tensions"]. Foxnews.com, 11 July 2017.</ref><ref name=mda11Jul17 >[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-UdkzqchPg FTT-18 THAAD Flight Test Video (July 11, 2017)] 2:25 minute clip.</ref>
|-
| 2017-07-30
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| 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>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afIXoFH6RoI 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>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20170805015057/http://fortblissbugle.com/2017/08/02/11th-ada-thaad-intercepts-test-target-again/ (3 August 2017) 11th ADA THAAD intercepts test target, again]}}.</ref>
|}<ref name=globalsecurity>[https://www.globalsecurity.org/space/systems/thaad-test-demval.htm THAAD Demonstration-Validation program].</ref><ref name="mda2016">{{Cite web |date=30 May 2017 |title=Ballistic Missile Defense Intercept Flight Test Record |url=https://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/testrecord.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927155243/https://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/testrecord.pdf |archive-date=27 September 2017 |website=mda.mil}}</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 vehicle]]s 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 {{convert|14.5|in|cm|abbr=on}}-diameter single-stage booster design would be expanded to a {{convert|21|in|cm|abbr=on}} 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>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/lockheed-martin-providing-thaad-us-and-saudi-arabi/|title=Lockheed Martin providing THAAD to US and Saudi Arabia - Land Warfare - Shephard Media|date=2 April 2019|website=www.shephardmedia.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-20}}</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">{{Cite web |date=8 January 2015 |title=China's Hypersonic Ambitions Prompt Thaad-ER Push {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/chinas-hypersonic-ambitions-prompt-thaad-er-push |access-date= |website=aviationweek.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/lockheed-martin-providing-thaad-us-and-saudi-arabi/|title=Lockheed Martin providing THAAD to US and Saudi Arabia - Land Warfare - Shephard Media|date=2 April 2019|website=www.shephardmedia.com|language=en|access-date=2020-03-20}}</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 weapon]]s and [[railgun]]s are better solutions for missile defense. These are expected to become available in the mid to late 2020s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2015 |title=Thaad-ER In Search Of A Mission {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/thaad-er-search-mission |access-date= |website=Aviation Week}}</ref>
[[File:THAAD-USArmy-MovedthrughC-17.jpg|thumb|A U.S. Army THAAD transported by a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III]].]]
== Production ==
[[File:FBX T.jpg|thumb|right|The AN/TPY-2 radar]]
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&nbsp;km), and can reach an altitude of 93 miles (150&nbsp;km). A THAAD battery consists of at least six<ref>{{cite news |last=Lamothe |first=Dan |date=7 March 2017 |title=U.S. military deploys advanced defensive missile system to South Korea, citing North Korean threat |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2017/03/06/u-s-military-deploys-advanced-defensive-missile-system-to-south-korea-citing-north-korean-threat/}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2 January 2015 |title=U.S. Army has received the latest upgrade for THAAD air defense missile system |url=http://www.armyrecognition.com/armies_in_the_world_analysis_focus/u.s._army_has_received_the_latest_upgrade_for_thaad_air_defense_missile_system_0201151.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150104205445/http://www.armyrecognition.com/armies_in_the_world_analysis_focus/u.s._army_has_received_the_latest_upgrade_for_thaad_air_defense_missile_system_0201151.html |archive-date=4 January 2015 |website=Army Recognition}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Sisk |first=Richard |date=18 March 2017 |title=Amid Tough Talk on North Korea, US Wants More THAAD Interceptors |url=https://www.defensetech.org/2017/03/18/thaad-interceptors-added-defense-budget/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319162914/https://www.defensetech.org/2017/03/18/thaad-interceptors-added-defense-budget/ |archive-date=19 March 2017 |access-date=1 April 2017 |website=Defense Tech}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Freedberg Jr |first=Sydney J. |date=24 June 2020 |title=SASC Trims Hypersonics & Robot Ships, Boosts Ships & F-35 |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2020/06/sasc-trims-hypersonics-robot-ships-boosts-ships-f-35/ |website=Breaking Defense}}</ref>
The THAAD missile is manufactured at a Lockheed Martin facility near [[Troy, Alabama]]. The facility performs final integration, assembly and testing of the THAAD missile. The THAAD 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>{{cite web |title=Raytheon: Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY-2) |url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/antpy2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130705184238/http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/antpy2/ |archive-date=5 July 2013 |publisher=Raytheon Corporate}}</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">{{Cite web |date=November 2016 |title=THAAD on the Korean Peninsula |url=https://isdp.eu/publication/korea-thaad/ |access-date=9 April 2017 |website=isdp.eu |quote=THAAD is inter-operable with other BMDS, making it possible to have an integrated air and missile defense system. THAAD can also be used against weapons of mass destruction, i.e., chemical, nuclear and biological warheads.}}</ref><ref name=dLPGdC2016/><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Sauter |first1=Dan |last2=Kazianis |first2=Harry J. |date=19 November 2014 |title=THAAD: America's Super Shield against Ballistic Missiles? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/feature/thaad-americas-super-shield-against-ballistic-missiles-11701 |access-date=9 April 2017 |website=The National Interest}}</ref>
=== First units equipped (FUE) ===
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 (United States)|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>{{Cite press release |date=28 May 2008 |title=First Battery of THAAD Weapon System Activated at Fort Bliss |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2008-05-28-First-Battery-of-THAAD-Weapon-System-Activated-at-Fort-Bliss |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729010500/https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2008-05-28-First-Battery-of-THAAD-Weapon-System-Activated-at-Fort-Bliss |archive-date=29 July 2021 |website=Lockheed Martin |access-date=17 April 2024}}</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>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2009 |title=Second Battery of Lockheed Martin's THAAD Weapon System Activated at Fort Bliss |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2009/10/16/idUS152750+16-Oct-2009+PRN20091016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907175137/http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS152750+16-Oct-2009+PRN20091016 |archive-date=7 September 2012 |access-date=20 October 2009 |website=Reuters}}</ref>
In August 2012, Lockheed received a $150&nbsp;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>{{Cite press release |date=15 August 2012 |title=Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract To Produce THAAD Weapon System Equipment For The U.S. Army |url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2012-08-15-Lockheed-Martin-Receives-150-Million-Contract-To-Produce-THAAD-Weapon-System-Equipment-For-The-U-S-Army |website=Lockheed Martin |access-date=17 April 2024}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Robert |title=Leery of N. Korea, U.S. plans 1st test to shoot down intercontinental-range missile |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/05/29/leery-north-korea-us-plans-first-test-icbm-intercept/102284770/ |access-date=28 May 2017 |website=USA Today}}</ref>
[[File:tems11.jpg|thumb|right|upright|THAAD Energy Management Steering maneuver, used to burn excess propellant]]
==Deployments==
===Israel===
In 2012, the U.S. [[TPY-2|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>{{Cite web |last1=Vick |first1=Karl |last2=Aaron J. |first2=Klein |date=30 May 2012 |title=How a U.S. Radar Station in the Negev Affects a Potential Israel-Iran Clash |url=http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0%2C8599%2C2115955%2C00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530100406/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2115955,00.html |archive-date=30 May 2012 |website=Time Magazine}}</ref>
In March 2019, Bravo Battery, 2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (B-2 THAAD), [[11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade]]<ref name="B2,11thADA">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20190321133329/http://fortblissbugle.com/2019/03/20/b-2-thaad-deploys-to-israel-11th-ada-bde-unit-participates-in-joint-rapid-deployment-exercise/ David Burge (20 March 2019) B-2 THAAD deploys to Israel: 11th ADA Bde. unit participates in joint rapid deployment exercise]}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Julian |first=Hana Levi |date=4 March 2019 |title=US Army Deploys THAAD, Most Advanced Aerial Defense System, in Southern Israel |url=https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/us-army-deploys-thaad-most-advanced-aerial-defense-system-in-southern-israel/2019/03/04/ |website=The Jewish Press}}</ref> The X-Band radar system, which is part of the THAAD system, has been deployed at Nevatim since 2008.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Harel |first1=Amos |last2=Kubovich |first2=Yaniv |last3=Landau |first3=Noa |date=4 March 2019 |title=In First, U.S. Deploys THAAD Missile Defense System in Israel in Joint Drill |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-in-first-u-s-deploys-thaad-missile-defense-in-israel-in-joint-drill-1.6989919 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211206162458/https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-in-first-u-s-deploys-thaad-missile-defense-in-israel-in-joint-drill-1.6989919 |archive-date=6 December 2021 |website=Haaretz}}</ref>
On October 13, 2024, [[Joe Biden|President Biden]] directed [[United States Secretary of Defense|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 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|April 13]] and again on [[October 2024 Iranian strikes against Israel|October 1]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Deployment of a THAAD Bat |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3934493/statement-by-pentagon-press-secretary-maj-gen-pat-ryder-on-the-deployment-of-a/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Romania===
In 2019, while the Aegis Ashore at [[Deveselu Military Base|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>{{Cite web |last=Epperson |first=Jason |date=23 May 2019 |title=US deploys THAAD anti-missile system in first deployment to Romania |url=https://www.army.mil/article/222181/us_deploys_thaad_anti_missile_system_in_first_deployment_to_romania |website=army.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=9 August 2019 |title=NATO a finalizat actualizarea tehnică a sistemului de apărare antibalistică AEGIS de la Deveselu |language=ro |work=[[Radio Free Europe]] |url=https://romania.europalibera.org/a/nato-a-finalizat-actualizarea-tehnica-a-sistemului-de-aparare-antibalistica-aegis-de-la-deveselu/30101728.html}}</ref>
===South Korea===
[[File:Two THAAD launchers arriving in South Korea in March 2017.jpg|thumb|Two THAAD launchers shortly after being flown into South Korea, March 2017]]
{{main|China–South Korea relations#Deployment of THAAD in South Korea}}
{{see also|North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|2017–18 North Korea crisis}}
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>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2013 |title=Army of South Korea shows interest for the U.S. THAAD Terminal High Altitude Area Defense |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/october_2013_defense_industry_military_news_uk/army_of_south_korea_shows_interest_for_the_u.s._thaad_terminal_high_altitude_area_defense_1810132.html |website=Army Recognition}}</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>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2014 |title=S. Korea to develop indigenous missile defense system instead of adopting THAAD |url=http://english.sina.com/world/2014/0602/705974.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605070742/http://english.sina.com/world/2014/0602/705974.html |archive-date=5 June 2014 |website=Sina.com}}</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>{{Cite web |date=5 June 2014 |title='S.Korea Requested Information on THAAD to Develop L-SAM' |url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Po_detail.htm?No=103072 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525160917/http://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Po_detail.htm?No=103072 |archive-date=25 May 2015 |website=world.kbs.co.kr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Alexander |date=26 March 2017 |title=North Korea's Missile Failure Won't Stop Kim Jong Un Trying to Strike U.S. |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/north-korea-s-missile-failure-won-t-stop-kim-jong-n736986 |website=NBC News}}</ref> In May 2014, the Pentagon revealed it was studying sites to base THAAD batteries in South Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 May 2014 |title=United States Army has a plan to deploy THAAD air defense missile systems in South Korea |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2014_global_defense_security_news_uk/united_states_army_has_a_plan_to_deploy_thaad_air_defense_missile_systems_in_south_korea_2905141.html |website=Army Recognition}}</ref>
The deployment was opposed by China and Russia.<ref>{{cite web |author=Kai |first=Jin |date=18 April 2015 |title=The Other Reasons China Wants to Block THAAD Deployment |url=https://thediplomat.com/.../the-other-reasons-china-wants-to-block-thaad-deployment/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920194249/https://thediplomat.com/2015/04/the-other-reasons-china-wants-to-block-thaad-deployment/ |archive-date=2020-09-20 |access-date=2019-07-04 |publisher=The Diplomat}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/thaad-anti-missile-system-makes-china-lash-out-at-south-korea.html|title=China lashes out as South Korea puts an American anti-missile system in place|last=Mody|first=Seema|website=[[CNBC]]|date=28 April 2017|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-date=3 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703153034/https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/thaad-anti-missile-system-makes-china-lash-out-at-south-korea.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Patranobis |first=Sutirtho |date=13 January 2017 |title=China, Russia vow to deploy measures against US missiles in South Korea |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-russia-vow-to-deploy-measures-against-us-missiles-in-south-korea/story-LiugES68RAlGEtTlGCGVSI.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211180417/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-russia-vow-to-deploy-measures-against-us-missiles-in-south-korea/story-LiugES68RAlGEtTlGCGVSI.html |archive-date=11 February 2020 |access-date=4 July 2019 |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Zhou |first=Laura |date=2016-07-08 |title=China and Russia criticise THAAD missile defence system as destabilising region |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1987103/china-and-russia-criticise-thaad-missile-defence-system |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528050745/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/1987103/china-and-russia-criticise-thaad-missile-defence-system |archive-date=2019-05-28 |access-date=2019-05-28 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> In February 2016, Chinese Foreign Minister [[Wang Yi (politician)|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">{{cite news |last1=Shalal |first1=Andrea |last2=Stewart |first2=Phil |date=25 February 2016 |title=China cites concerns on U.S. missile defense system in South Korea |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-china-north-korea-idUSKCN0VY2C9}}</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">{{cite news |last1=Blanchard |first1=Ben |last2=Martina |first2=Michael |date=17 August 2017 |title=China military criticizes 'wrong' U.S. moves on Taiwan, South China Sea |newspaper=Reuters |editor-last=Perry |editor-first=Michael |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-usa-dunford-idUSKCN1AX0EF |editor2-last=Fernandez |editor2-first=Clarence}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Buckley |first=Chris |date=11 March 2017 |title=Why U.S. Antimissile System in South Korea Worries China |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/11/world/asia/us-south-korea-thaad-antimissile-system-china.html |access-date=12 March 2017 |website=The New York Times}}</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 [[Intercontinental ballistic missile|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 [[List of states with nuclear weapons#Recognized nuclear-weapon states|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>{{Cite web |last=Bin |first=Li |date=6 March 2017 |title=The Security Dilemma and THAAD Deployment in the ROK |url=https://www.chinausfocus.com/foreign-policy/2017/0306/14759.html |website=chinausfocus.com}}</ref> Chinese officials asked South Korea to downgrade the radar of the missile defence system, but no adjustments were made.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Perez|first1=Jane|title=For China, a Missile Defense System in South Korea Spells a Failed Courtship|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/09/world/asia/south-korea-us-thaad-china.html?_r=0|newspaper=New York Times|access-date=26 September 2016|date=8 July 2016}}</ref>
In July 2016, American and South Korean military officials announced the deployment of THAAD system in South Korea, following [[North Korea and weapons of mass destruction|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>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=8 July 2016 |title=THAAD To Officially Deploy to South Korea |url=https://www.defensenews.com/home/2016/07/08/thaad-to-officially-deploy-to-south-korea/ |website=Defense News}}</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 [[Korean Demilitarized Zone|DMZ]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Seung-woo |first=Kang |date=12 July 2016 |title=Seongju picked as site for THAAD battery |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/205_209205.html |website=[[The Korea Times]]}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Padden |first=Brian |date=15 July 2016 |title=THAAD Radiation Fears Spark South Korean Protests |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/thaad-radition-fears-spark-south-korean-protests/3419467.html |website=Voice of America}}</ref> On 30 September 2016, the U.S. and South Korea announced that THAAD would be relocated to the [[Lotte (conglomerate)|Lotte]] Skyhill Seongju Country Club, farther from the town's main residential areas and higher in elevation, to alleviate concerns.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chang |first1=Yoo Kyong |last2=Gamel |first2=Kim |date=30 September 2016 |title=THAAD's new home will be golf course in South Korean mountains |url=https://www.stripes.com/news/thaad-s-new-home-will-be-golf-course-in-south-korean-mountains-1.431721#.WMoKt8CGPos |publisher=STARS AND STRIPES}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2016 |title=S. Korea selects golf course as new site for THAAD |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20160930004900315 |website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Se-jeong |first=Kim |date=2016-07-13 |title=Seongju residents vow to fight against THAAD |language=en |work=[[The Korea Times]] |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/117_209326.html |access-date=2018-09-18}}</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">{{Cite web |last1=Johnson |first1=Alex |last2=Kube |first2=Courtney |last3=Kim |first3=Stella |date=6 March 2017 |title=U.S. Begins Shipping Controversial Anti-Missile System to South Korea |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-promises-response-severe-threat-north-korean-missile-launches-n729846 |access-date=6 March 2017 |website=NBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 March 2017 |title=THAAD arrives on the Korean Peninsula |url=https://www.usfk.mil/Media/Press-Products/Press-Releases/Article/1104306/thaad-arrives-on-the-korean-peninsula/ |website=usfk.mil}}</ref><ref name=Mullany>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/06/world/asia/north-korea-thaad-missile-defense-us-china.html|title=U.S. Starts Deploying Thaad Antimissile System in South Korea, After North's Tests|last=Mullany|first=Gerry|date=2017-03-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2017-03-07|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Earlier that day, [[List of North Korean missile tests|North Korea had launched 4 missiles]].<ref name=":3" /><ref name=OsanAB>{{Cite web |last=Osan AirBase |title=THAAD Deploys to Republic of Korea |website=[[YouTube]] |date=2017-03-06 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI68rmNQWXQ |access-date=2017-03-07}}</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>{{cite news|last1=Pearson|first1=James|title=Even with THAAD defense, North Korea missile barrage poses threat to South|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-defence-analysis-idUSKBN16F0CT|publisher=Reuters|date=8 Mar 2017}}</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>{{cite journal |author=De Leon Petta Gomes da Costa |title=Chinese Geopolitics: Space Program Cooperation among China, Brazil, and Russia |journal=Astropolitics: The International Journal of Space Politics & Policy |issn=1477-7622 |oclc=300873391 |date=16 March 2016 |volume=14 |issue=1|doi=10.1080/14777622.2016.1148465 |pages=90–98 |bibcode=2016AstPo..14...90D|s2cid=218622093 }}</ref>{{page needed|date=March 2017}}{{original research inline|date=March 2017}} in a three-layer antimissile defense for South Korea.<ref name=":2" /> On 16 March 2017, a THAAD radar arrived in South Korea.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shim |first=Elizabeth |date=16 March 2017 |title=THAAD radar arrives in South Korea over Chinese opposition |url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2017/03/16/THAAD-radar-arrives-in-South-Korea-over-Chinese-opposition/7711489671159/ |access-date=21 March 2017 |website=upi.com}}</ref> The THAAD system is kept at Osan Air Base<ref name=Raddetz20170416>A view of the command posts at Osan Air base: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWqYTKsr43I '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">{{cite news |last=Taylor |first=Adam |date=7 March 2017 |title=Why China is so mad about THAAD, a missile defense system aimed at deterring North Korea |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/03/07/why-china-is-so-mad-about-thaad-a-missile-defense-system-aimed-at-deterring-north-korea/}}</ref> Osan Air Base has blast-hardened command posts with 3 levels of blast doors.<ref name=Raddetz20170416 />{{rp|minute 0:45}}
By 25 April 2017, six trailers carrying the THAAD radar, interceptor launchers, communications, and support equipment entered the Seongju site.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fifield |first=Anna |date=26 April 2017 |title=U.S. starts 'swiftly' installing controversial antimissile battery in South Korea |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/us-military-starts-installing-controversial-anti-missile-battery-in-south-korea/2017/04/25/3efe2fba-2a2a-11e7-86b7-5d31b5fdc114_story.html |access-date=26 April 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-usa-idUSKBN17W04T|title=China urges all sides in North Korea standoff to 'stop irritating'...|first=Ben|last=Blanchard|newspaper=Reuters|date=4 May 2017}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-30 |title=US won't seek South Korean money for THAAD |url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/the-latest-us-wont-seek-south-korean-money-for-thaad |access-date= |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Sang-Hun |first=Choe |date=2017-05-02 |title=U.S. Antimissile System Goes Live in South Korea |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/02/world/asia/thaad-north-korea-missile-defense-us.html |access-date= |issn=0362-4331 |url-access=limited}}</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>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2017 |title=US anti-missile system operational in South Korea |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-39775854 |website=BBC News}}</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>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/07/south-korean-president-moon-jae-suspends-thaad-deployment/102582572/ |title=South Korean President Moon Jae-in suspends further THAAD deployment |last=Maresca |first=Thomas |newspaper=USA Today |date=7 June 2017 |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref><ref name=cnbc-20170726>{{cite news |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/26/how-park-geun-hye-influences-thaad-deployment-in-south-korea.html |title=North Korea is more erratic than ever, but South Korea is in no rush for US missile defense |last=Chandran |first=Nyshka |work=CNBC |date=26 July 2017 |access-date=11 September 2017}}</ref> The [[35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (United States)]] has integrated THAAD into its layered defense on the Korean Peninsula,<ref>{{cite web |last=Daniell |first=Capt. Jonathon |date=13 June 2017 |title=35th ADA BDE welcomes new commander |url=https://www.army.mil/article/189286/35th_ada_bde_welcomes_new_commander |website=army.mil}}</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>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa-defenses-idUSKBN19S2XQ|title=Exclusive: U.S. plans to test THAAD missile defenses as North Korea...|first=Phil|last=Stewart|newspaper=Reuters|date=8 July 2017}}</ref> against a simulated attack by an Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile had long been planned.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Starr |first1=Barbara |last2=Cohen |first2=Zachary |date=7 July 2017 |title=US to test THAAD missile defense system |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/07/politics/us-thaad-missile-defense-test/index.html |publisher=CNN}}</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>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20180813112444/http://fortblissbugle.com/2017/07july/072017/pdf/072017part1a.pdf A-2 THAAD successfully intercepts missile target ''Fort Bliss Bugle'' (20 July 2017)]}} 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>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/25/politics/coast-guard-alaska-missile-notice/?iid=ob_lockedrail_bottomlist|title=Coast Guard gives notice: Missile launch expected in Alaska|first=Madison |last=Park|date=25 July 2017|publisher=CNN}}</ref> On 28 July 2017 North Korea launched a test ICBM capable of reaching Los Angeles.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ali |first1=Idrees |last2=Kim |first2=Jack |date=30 July 2017 |title=North Korea claims all of U.S. in strike range as Trump says China has done "nothing" |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN1AD1ZB/ |website=Reuters}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Jack |date=28 July 2017 |editor-last=Stonestreet |editor-first=John |title=South Korea's Moon orders talks with U.S. to deploy more THAAD units after North Korea ICBM test |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-thaad-idUSKBN1AD2ES/ |website=Reuters}}</ref><ref name="6sep17">{{Cite web |last1=Oliphant |first1=James |last2=Shepherd |first2=Christian |date=8 September 2017 |title=Trump - 'Sad day' for North Korea if U.S. takes military action |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-system/south-korea-deploys-anti-missile-system-as-u-s-seeks-tough-north-korea-sanctions-idUSKCN1BI07P/ |website=Reuters}}</ref>
[[Lee Jong-kul]], of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's [[Democratic Party (South Korea, 2015)|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) [https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2017/07/396_233687.html "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>{{Cite web |last=Lockie |first=Alex |date=27 July 2017 |title=China holds live-fire aircraft carrier drill, builds massive border force as North Korean missile test looms |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-missile-test-china-aricraft-carrier-drill-2017-7 |access-date= |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockie |first=Alex |date=25 July 2017 |title=China's army looks like it's getting ready for something big to go down in North Korea |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/chinas-army-north-korea-border-force-2017-7 |access-date= |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lockie |first=Alex |date=16 March 2017 |title=How China could stop a US strike on North Korea — without starting World War III |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/china-response-us-first-strike-north-korea-2017-3 |access-date= |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Taylor |first=Adam |date=2021-12-01 |title=Analysis {{!}} The inevitability of North Korea's nuclear weapons |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2017/07/28/the-inevitability-of-north-koreas-nuclear-weapons/ |access-date= |issn=0190-8286}}</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>{{Cite news |last1=Sang-Hun |first1=Choe |last2=Sanger |first2=David E. |date=2017-07-29 |title=After North Korea Test, South Korea Pushes to Build Up Its Own Missiles |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/29/world/asia/us-south-korea-north-korea-missile-test.html |access-date= |issn=0362-4331}}</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) [http://www.publications.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rolling-Back-the-Growing-North-Korean-Threat-web-0627.pdf "Eliminating the Growing Threat Posed by North Korean Nuclear Weapons"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729214056/http://www.publications.atlanticcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rolling-Back-the-Growing-North-Korean-Threat-web-0627.pdf |date=29 July 2017 }} (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>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afIXoFH6RoI (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>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-missiles-idUSKBN1AF0HV|title=U.S. THAAD missile hits test target amid growing pressure from...|first=Sarah N.|last=Lynch|newspaper=Reuters|date=30 July 2017}}</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 >{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-usa-assessment-idUSKBN1AG2J4|title=North Korea can hit most of United States: U.S. officials|first=Idrees|last=Ali|newspaper=Reuters|date=August 2017}}</ref> which would require more testing<ref name=payloadBreakup >{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/31/world/asia/north-korea-missile-test-video.html|title=Success of North Korean Missile Test Is Thrown Into Question|first1=William J.|last1=Broad|first2=David E.|last2=Sanger|newspaper=The New York Times|date=31 July 2017}}</ref><ref name=payloadBreakupVideo>[https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/northkorea_provocation/embed/northkorea_provocation_movie_185.html Payload Breakup Video: nhk static camera setup on Hokkaido island] 26-second video clip</ref><ref name="MElleman">{{cite web |last=Elleman |first=Michael |date=31 July 2017 |title=Video Casts Doubt on North Korea's Ability to Field an ICBM Re-entry Vehicle |url=http://www.38north.org/2017/07/melleman073117/ |website=[[38 North]]}}</ref> to prove its accuracy.<ref name="jschilling071017">{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=John |date=10 July 2017 |title=What is True and Not True About North Korea's Hwasong-14 ICBM: A Technical Evaluation |url=https://www.38north.org/2017/07/jschilling071017/ |website=[[38 North]]}}</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>{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Gerry |date=2017-08-11 |title=If Missiles Are Headed to Guam, Here Is What Could Stop Them |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/11/world/asia/guam-north-korea-missile-defense.html |access-date= |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> a distance of {{convert|2100|mi|km}}, flying at altitudes exceeding {{convert|60|mi|km|sigfig=1}}, in a flight of 1,065&nbsp;seconds (18&nbsp;minutes).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-kcna-idUSKBN1AP2P5|title=North Korea will develop Guam strike plan by mid-August: KCNA|first=Christine|last=Kim|newspaper=Reuters|date=9 August 2017}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Pellerin |first=Cheryl |date=24 August 2017 |title=U.S., South Korean Military Leaders Reinforce Alliance |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/1288096/us-south-korean-military-leaders-reinforce-alliance/ |website=defense.gov}}</ref>
On 2 September 2017, the North Korean news agency KCNA released a photograph of an elongated payload,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-nuclear/north-korea-says-it-has-developed-more-advanced-hydrogen-bomb-kcna-idUSKCN1BD0VW|title=Trump says U.S. not 'putting up with' North Korea's actions|first=Jeff|last=Mason|newspaper=Reuters|date=7 September 2017}}</ref> intended to fit in the warhead of one of its missiles.<ref name="2Sep17implications">{{cite web |last=Brumfiel |first=Geoff |date=3 September 2017 |title=Here Are The Facts About North Korea's Nuclear Test |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/09/03/548262043/here-are-the-facts-about-north-koreas-nuclear-test |website=NPR.org}}</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>[http://www.armscontrolwonk.com/archive/1203852/sar-image-of-punggye-ri/ 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 and 6 September 2017.</ref> Japan's Foreign Ministry has concluded that the event was the North's sixth nuclear test.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/03/asia/north-korea-nuclear-test/index.html|title=Nuclear test conducted by North Korea, country claims|author1=Joshua Berlinger |author2=Taehoon Lee|date=3 September 2017|publisher=CNN}}</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>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/03/world/asia/north-korea-tremor-possible-6th-nuclear-test.html|title=North Korean Nuclear Test Draws U.S. Warning of 'Massive Military Response'|first1=David E.|last1=Sanger|first2=Choe|last2=Sang-Hun|newspaper=The New York Times|date=2 September 2017}}</ref> China's Foreign Ministry urged the North to "stop taking wrong actions",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/09/03/asia/north-korea-nuclear-test-live-updates/index.html|title=Nuclear test in North Korea: Live updates|first=Lauren |last=Said-Moorhouse|date=3 September 2017|publisher=CNN}}</ref> and agreed that further UN actions are needed to resolve the impending crisis.<ref name=4ThaadsPhoto>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-system/china-agrees-more-u-n-actions-needed-against-north-korea-after-nuclear-test-idUSKCN1BI07P|title=Trump: 'Sad day' for North Korea if U.S. takes military action|first=James|last=Oliphant|newspaper=Reuters|date=8 September 2017}}</ref> By creating a thermonuclear-capable payload for at least one of its missiles,<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kim |first1=Stella |last2=Helsel |first2=Phil |last3=Bruton |first3=F. Brinley |last4=Silva |first4=Daniella |date=4 September 2017 |title=North Korea says it tested hydrogen bomb that can fit in intercontinental missile |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/5-1-magnitude-tremor-recorded-north-korea-could-be-new-n798376 |website=[[NBC News]]}}</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 September 2017, BBC analyst Jonathan Marcus predicted a flood of several million refugees at the border of North Korea and China, were the North to be destroyed.<ref name="marcus">{{Cite web |last=Marcus |first=Jonathan |date=4 September 2017 |title=North Korea: Does latest nuclear test mean war? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41150291 |website=BBC News}}</ref> China has positioned only two brigades at the border. Marcus points out that China and Russia have proposed the de-nuclearization of Korea and the replacement of the armistice with a peace treaty.<ref name=marcus />
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">{{cite web |last=Daniell |first=Capt. Jonathon |date=20 October 2017 |title=THAAD battery reflags to align with 35th ADA Brigade in South Korea |url=https://www.army.mil/article/195686/thaad_battery_reflags_to_align_with_35th_ada_brigade_in_south_korea |website=army.mil}}</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>{{cite web |last=Patranobis |first=Sutirtho |date=13 January 2017 |title=China, Russia vow to deploy measures against US missiles in South Korea |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/china-russia-vow-to-deploy-measures-against-us-missiles-in-south-korea/story-LiugES68RAlGEtTlGCGVSI.html |website=Hindustan Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last= Lee |first=Kim Min Tayler'|date=9 January 2016|title=THAAD: Missile defense or diplomatic challenge?|journal=Culture Mandala: The Bulletin of the Centre for East-West Cultural and Economic Studies|volume=12 |issue=1|pages=Article 5|url=https://epublications.bond.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1154&context=cm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729023244/https://epublications.bond.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1154&context=cm|archive-date=2017-07-29}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/17/thaad-anti-missile-system-makes-china-lash-out-at-south-korea.html|title=China lashes out as South Korea puts an American anti-missile system in place|first=Seema|last=Mody|website=[[CNBC]]|date=28 April 2017}}</ref>
On 30 October 2017, South Korea and China agreed to normalize relations, previously damaged due to the THAAD deployment.<ref name=Reuters30oct2017>{{cite news|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-northkorea-missiles-southkorea/south-korea-china-seek-to-mend-relations-after-thaad-fallout-idUKKBN1D003C|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031051915/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-northkorea-missiles-southkorea/south-korea-china-seek-to-mend-relations-after-thaad-fallout-idUKKBN1D003C|url-status=dead|archive-date=31 October 2017|title=China, South Korea agree to mend ties after THAAD standoff|first=Christine|last=Kim|newspaper=Reuters|date=31 October 2017}}</ref>
===Turkey===
According to U.S. officials the AN/TPY-2 radar was deployed at Turkey's Kürecik Air Force base.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130619211352/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120130/DEFREG04/301300013/U-S-Maintains-Full-Control-Turkish-Based-Radar "U.S. Maintains Full Control of Turkish-Based Radar"] ''[[Defense News]]'', 30 January 2012</ref> The radar was activated in January 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Demirtas |first=Serkan |date=24 December 2011 |title=NATO Activates Radar in Turkey Next Week |url=http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/128691/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140202201212/http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/128691/ |archive-date=2 February 2014 |website=Turkish Weekly}}</ref>
===United Arab Emirates===
In December 2011, the [[United Arab Emirates]] (UAE) signed a deal to purchase the missile defense system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 December 2011 |title=U.S., UAE reach deal for missile-defense system |url=https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/30/us/uae-defense-system/index.html |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref> The United Arab Emirates (UAE) graduated its first two THAAD unit classes at Fort Bliss in 2015 and 2016.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20160701232647/http://fortblissbugle.com/uae-graduates-second-class-of-thaad-air-defenders/ UAE graduates second class of THAAD air defenders]}}</ref> Its first live-fire exercises with [[Patriot missile]]s took place in 2014.
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====
[[File:SM 3 Block IIA launched from the Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Test Complex at Hawaii.jpg|thumb|SM 3 Block IIA launched from the Aegis Ashore in 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>{{cite web|last= Gienger |first= Viola |url= https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aOrc17s0Mz7g |title= Gates Orders Measures Against North Korea Missile (Update2) |publisher= Bloomberg |date=18 June 2009 |access-date=24 January 2011}}</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>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22021832 |title=US to move missiles to Guam after North Korea threats |publisher=BBC |date=3 April 2013 |access-date=3 April 2013}}</ref><ref name="elpasotimes">{{cite web |author=Burge, David |date=9 April 2013 |title=100 bound for Guam: Fort Bliss THAAD unit readies for historic mission |url=http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_22983471/100-bound-guam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629030656/http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_22983471/100-bound-guam |archive-date=29 June 2013 |access-date=12 April 2013 |website=[[El Paso Times]]}}</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====
[[File:THAAD missile launch on Wake Island.jpg|thumb|A THAAD interceptor is launched from a THAAD battery on Wake Island during testing where two air-launched ballistic missile targets were successfully intercepted, November 2015.]]
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>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ErnJU_ghE|title=2015 THAAD FTO2 Event2a|website=[[YouTube]]|date=5 November 2015 |access-date=14 July 2016}}</ref> The objective was to test the ability of the [[Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System|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 />{{rp|intercepts @1:13 & 3:12}} 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 (DDG-53)|USS ''John Paul Jones'']] [[guided missile destroyer]] both launched missiles to intercept a medium-range ballistic missile,<ref name=FTO-02e />{{rp|intercepts @2:50 & 3:12}} launched by parachute from a second C-17.<ref>[http://www.hookelenews.com/uss-john-paul-jones-participates-in-ballistic-missile-defense-test/ "USS John Paul Jones participates in ballistic missile defense test"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005030918/http://www.hookelenews.com/uss-john-paul-jones-participates-in-ballistic-missile-defense-test/ |date=5 October 2018 }}, Ho'okele – Pearl Harbor – Hickam News, 6 November 2015.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shalal |first=Andrea |date=1 November 2015 |title=U.S. completes complex test of layered missile defense system |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102/#A5FPzTc4GoPTGuvo.99 |website=Reuters}}</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>{{Cite web |last=Judson |first=Jen |date=22 March 2016 |title=Army Weighing THAAD Deployments in Europe, Middle East |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2016/03/22/army-weighing-thaad-deployments-in-europe-middle-east/ |website=Defense News}}</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>[http://armyrecognition.com/november_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/japan_is_considering_deployement_of_us_missile_defense_system_including_the_thaad_42411153.html 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>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN12H092 "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>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-japan-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN18909T|title=Japan favors Aegis Ashore over THAAD to boost missile defense: sources|date=13 May 2017|work=Reuters|access-date=2017-08-09}}</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>[https://www.cnas.org/events/cnas-2017-annual-conference 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">{{Cite web |last=Freedberg Jr |first=Sydney J |date=28 June 2017 |title=Chinese Missiles Can Wipe Out US Bases In Japan: Aegis, THAAD Can Stop Em |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2017/06/chinese-missiles-can-wipe-out-us-bases-in-japan-aegis-thaad-can-stop-em/ |website=Breaking Defense}}</ref>
Russia has opposed the missile acquisitions<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurtenbach |first=Elaine |title=Russia says US missile systems in Asia a risk to regional security |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/russia-says-us-missile-systems-in-asia-a-risk-to-regional-security/ |access-date=2022-03-31 |website=Times of Israel |language=en-US}}</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>{{cite web |date=15 January 2018 |title=МИД РФ выразил опасения в связи с возможным контролем США над ПРО в Японии |url=http://www.interfax.ru/russia/595456 |website=[[Interfax]]}}</ref>{{discuss}}
In 2020, Japan suspended plans to acquire the Aegis Ashore system.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.airuniversity.af.edu/JIPA/Display/Article/2361398/japan-cancels-aegis-ashore-reasons-consequences-and-international-implications/ |title=Japan Cancels Aegis Ashore: Reasons, Consequences, and International Implications |last1=Unbehauen |first1=Michael |last2=Decker |first2=Christian |date=2020-09-25 |website=Journal of Indo-Pacific Affairs |access-date=2024-07-07 |quote=...Japan’s reversal on the Aegis Ashore sites may indicate a larger shift in defense priorities for the country and potentially signal a transitional trend with implications beyond Japan and the Indo-Pacific region.}}</ref> The Japanese government said that they were concerned about environmental issues caused by the system dropping spent boosters.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/japan-suspends-aegis-ashore-missile-defense-plans-what-happens-now/ |title=Japan Suspends Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Plans. What Happens Now? |last=Panda |first=Ankit |date=2020-06-23 |website=The Diplomat |access-date=2024-07-07 |quote=...according to the Japanese government, the primary reason for not proceeding with deployment at this time pertains to environmental concerns: specifically, the matter of spent boosters from Standard Missile 3 interceptor missiles potentially dropping over inhabited territory.}}</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>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/japan-suspends-aegis-ashore-missile-defense-plans-what-happens-now/ |title=Japan Suspends Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Plans. What Happens Now? |last=Panda |first=Ankit |date=2020-06-23 |website=The Diplomat |access-date=2024-07-07 |quote=...the Japanese government has been dealing with fierce local opposition to the deployment of the sites. The candidate sites in Akita and Yamaguchi prefectures weren’t too popular with locals, who had concerns that the sites would all but ensure that their homes would be high-value targets for North Korean missiles in a conflict.}}</ref> {{As of|2020}} the Japanese government had not made it clear whether or not they would re-evaluate purchasing THAAD systems.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thediplomat.com/2020/06/japan-suspends-aegis-ashore-missile-defense-plans-what-happens-now/ |title=Japan Suspends Aegis Ashore Missile Defense Plans. What Happens Now? |last=Panda |first=Ankit |date=2020-06-23 |website=The Diplomat|quote=It's possible that Tokyo may revisit the option to procure THAAD, but cost was one factor in the Aegis Ashore suspension too. Given that the sticker price for the six THAAD batteries was greater than that for two Aegis Ashore sites back in the 2017 evaluations, it's unlikely that Tokyo will go this way.}}</ref>
====Oman====
In May 2013, [[Oman]] announced a deal for the acquisition of the THAAD air defense system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 May 2013 |title=Sultanate of Oman to buy the air defense missile system THAAD from United States |url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/may_2013_news_defence_army_military_industry_uk/sultanate_of_oman_to_buy_the_air_defense_missile_system_thaad_from_united_states_2705134.html |website=Army Recognition}}</ref> However, a sale has not been announced.<ref>{{cite web |title=Oman: Politics, Security, and U.S. Policy |url=https://sgp.fas.org/crs/mideast/RS21534.pdf |publisher=Congressional Research Service |date=1 June 2022}}</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">{{Cite news |date=2017-10-06 |title=Thaad: US to sell $15bn missile defence to Saudi Arabia |language=en-GB |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41532889}}</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>{{cite web |last=Binnie |first=Jeremy |date=9 October 2017 |title=Saudi THAAD sale approved |url=http://www.janes.com/article/74713/saudi-thaad-sale-approved |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011181231/http://www.janes.com/article/74713/saudi-thaad-sale-approved |archive-date=11 October 2017 |website=[[Janes.com]]}}</ref>
====Taiwan====
{{see also|Cross-Strait relations}}
In 2017, a [[Hong Kong]]–based media report claimed that THAAD could be deployed in [[Taiwan]] to intercept [[China|People's Republic of China]] missiles.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Everington |first=Keoni |date=2017-02-15 |title=THAAD may be deployed in Taiwan |work=[[Taiwan News]] |url=http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3095284|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215064959/http://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3095284|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 February 2017}} </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>{{cite web |last=Yeh |first=Joseph |date=10 March 2017 |title=Could Taiwan be up next in THAAD trouble? |url=http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/analysis/2017/03/10/493244/p2/Could-Taiwan.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417064339/http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/analysis/2017/03/10/493244/p2/Could-Taiwan.htm |archive-date=17 April 2017 |website=The China Post}}</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">{{Cite news|author=Chen Wei-han|date=6 April 2017 |title=Taiwan would welcome F-35 jet sales: ministry|newspaper=Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2017/04/06/2003668166}}</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>{{Cite web |title=PAVE PAWS Radar System |url=https://www.spaceforce.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Article/2197752/pave-paws-radar-system/ |access-date=3 January 2024 |website=spaceforce.mil}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=A Dossier on the Pave Paws Radar Installation on Leshan, Taiwan |url=https://fas.org/man/eprint/leshan.pdf |website=[[Federation of American Scientists]]}}</ref>
==Operators==
{{SAU}}
{{UAE}}
{{USA}}
The US has 7 batteries of THAAD, which will expand to 8 batteries in the future.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2022-04-21-lockheed-martin-to-produce-eighth-thaad-battery-for-the-us-government | title=Lockheed Martin to Produce Eighth THAAD Battery for the US Government }}</ref>
* [[United States Army]]
**A Battery, [[2nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (United States)|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 (United States)|3rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment]] (E-3 ADA)
** A Battery, [[4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (United States)|4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment]] (A-4 ADA)
**B Battery, [[62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (United States)|62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment]] (B-62 ADA)
** E Battery, 62nd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (E-62 ADA)
== See also ==
* [[Arrow (Israeli missile)]]
* [[Comparison of anti-ballistic missile systems]]
* {{Lwc|HQ-19}}
* {{Lwc|L-SAM}}
* {{Lwc|MIM-104 Patriot}}
* [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme#Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV)|Prithvi Defence Vehicle]]—Indian high altitude anti-ballistic missile system
* [[Project Kusha]], under development by India
* {{Lwc|S-300VM}}
* {{Lwc|S-500}}
* [[Sky Bow|Taiwan Sky Bow Ballistic Missile Defense System]]
== References ==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{Commons}}
* [http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/thaad.html Lockheed Martin THAAD web page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20090326071939/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/html/thaad1.html MDA THAAD page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20011118094420/http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/missiledefense/tmd-thaad.html THAAD program details]
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/thaad.html THAAD program history] on designation-systems.net
* [https://missilethreat.csis.org/defsys/tpy-2/ TPY-2 X-band Radar] on Missile Threat [[Center for Strategic and International Studies|CSIS]] site
;DEM-VAL and EMD testing
* [http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/1999/b06101999_bt287-99.html THAAD First Successful Intercept, 10 June 1999]
* [http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Aug1999/b08021999_bt358-99.html THAAD Second Successful Intercept, 2 August 1999]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928013306/http://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/06fyi0085.pdf THAAD Equipment Arrives in Hawaii, 18 October 2006]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928013406/http://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0026.pdf Successful THAAD Radar Target Tracking Test, 8 March 2007]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070711232017/http://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/07news0037.pdf THAAD Radar Supports Successful Aegis BMD Intercept, 22 June 2007]
{{United States Missile Defense}}
{{Lockheed Martin}}
{{United Arab Emirates–United States relations}}
[[Category:Missile Defense Agency]]
[[Category:Missile defense]]
[[Category:Anti-aircraft warfare]]
[[Category:Anti-ballistic missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Lockheed Martin]]
[[Category:Boeing]]
[[Category:Honeywell]]
[[Category:BAE Systems]]
[[Category:Raytheon Company]]
[[Category:Rocketdyne]]
[[Category:Anti-South Korean sentiment in China]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Israel–United States military relations]]
[[Category:South Korea–United States military relations]]
[[Category:Romania–United States military relations]]
[[Category:United Arab Emirates–United States relations]]