What is THAAD missile ?

THAAD

THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a U.S. missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium—, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase when the rocket is descending towards its target. THAAD uses hit-to-kill technology, meaning it relies on the kinetic energy of a direct impact to destroy the incoming missile, rather than carrying an explosive warhead.

Key Features of THAAD:

1. Hit-to-Kill Technology: THAAD does not carry explosives but instead destroys its targets through direct collision (kinetic energy).
2. Mobile and Rapid Deployment: The system is mobile, making it easily deployable to different locations to provide defense against missile threats.
3. Range and Altitude: THAAD intercepts missiles at altitudes up to 150 kilometers (about 93 miles), which is high enough to target missiles both within and just outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
4. Tracking and Targeting: THAAD is equipped with advanced radar systems (like the AN/TPY-2 radar) that can track and differentiate between incoming threats and non-threatening objects, enabling accurate interception.
5. Multi-Layered Defense: THAAD can be part of a layered missile defense system, working alongside other systems such as the Patriot missile system or the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense to provide comprehensive protection.

Deployment:

THAAD systems are primarily deployed by the United States, but they have also been stationed in allied countries, particularly in areas where ballistic missile threats are present, such as South Korea, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. The deployment of THAAD in South Korea, in particular, sparked geopolitical tensions with China and Russia, who saw it as a threat to their own missile capabilities and regional influence.

Nuclear Disarmament