View source for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense

{{Infobox weapon
|name= Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)
|image= [[File:THAAD Launcher.jpg|300px]]
|caption= THAAD missile launcher
|origin= [[United States]]
|type= [[Anti-ballistic missile]] system
<!-- Type selection -->
|is_ranged=
|is_bladed=
|is_explosive=
|is_artillery=
|is_vehicle=yes
|is_missile=
|is_UK=no
<!-- Service history -->
|service= 2008–present
|used_by= [[United States Army]]
<!-- Production history -->
|designer= 
|design_date= 1987
|manufacturer= [[Lockheed Martin]]
|unit_cost= [[United States Dollar|US$]]757,000,000
|production_date= 2008-present
|number= 24 Interceptors (First Deployment)
<!-- General specifications -->
|spec_label= 
|weight=900 kg<ref name="googleusercontent1">{{cite web |url=https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:BLQsfe2L43wJ:www.astronautix.com/lvs/thaad.htm |title=THAAD |publisher=Webcache.googleusercontent.com |date= |accessdate=2011-01-24}}</ref>
|length=6.17 m<ref name="googleusercontent1"/>
|part_length= 
|width= 
|height= 
|diameter=34 cm<ref name="googleusercontent1"/>
|crew= 
<!-- Vehicle specifications -->
|armour=
|primary_armament= 
|secondary_armament=
|engine= 
|engine_power= 
|pw_ratio=
|transmission=
|payload_capacity=
|suspension=
|clearance= 
|wingspan=
|propellant=Pratt & Whitney solid-fueled rocket
|fuel_capacity=
|vehicle_range=>200 km<ref name="googleusercontent1"/>
|ceiling=150 km<ref name="googleusercontent1"/>
|Flight altitude= 93 miles (150 km)
|boost=
|speed=Mach 8.24 or 2.8 km/s<ref name="googleusercontent1"/> 
|guidance= [[Indium antimonide]] [[Thermographic camera|Imaging Infra-Red]] Seeker Head
|steering=
|accuracy=Should be 0m
|launch_platform=
|transport= 
}}

'''Terminal High Altitude Area Defense''' ('''THAAD'''), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is a [[United States Army]] anti-ballistic missile system designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate [[ballistic missile]]s in their terminal phase using a hit-to-kill approach. The missile carries no warhead but relies on the kinetic energy of the impact to destroy the incoming missile. A kinetic energy hit minimizes the risk of exploding conventional warhead ballistic missiles, and nuclear tipped ballistic missiles won't explode upon a kinetic energy hit, although chemical or biological warheads may disintegrate or explode and pose a risk of contaminating the environment. THAAD was designed to hit [[Scud]]s and [[Tactical ballistic missile|similar weapons]].

The THAAD system is being designed, built, and integrated by [[Lockheed Martin Space Systems]] acting as prime contractor.  Key subcontractors include [[Raytheon]], [[Boeing]], [[Aerojet]], [[Rocketdyne]], [[Honeywell]], [[BAE Systems]], [[Oshkosh Corporation|Oshkosh Defense]], [[Caterpillar Inc|MiltonCAT]], and the Oliver Capital Consortium. One THAAD system costs [[United States dollar|US$]]800 million.<ref>[https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323916304578400700347158398.html "With an Eye on Pyongyang, U.S. Sending Missile Defenses to Guam"]. ''The Wall Street Journal'', April 3, 2013.</ref>

Although originally a U.S. Army program, THAAD has come under the umbrella of the [[Missile Defense Agency]].  The Navy has a similar program, the sea-based [[Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System]], which now has a land component as well ("Aegis ashore"). THAAD was originally scheduled for deployment in 2012, but initial deployment took place May 2008.<ref>[https://www.space.com/spacenews/archive06/thaad_0904.html "Pentagon To Accelerate THAAD Deployment"], Jeremy Singer, ''Space News'', September 4, 2006</ref><ref>[https://www.yourdefencenews.com/lockheed+martin+completes+delivery+of+all+components+of+1st+thaad+battery+to+u.s.+army_75018.html "Lockheed Martin completes delivery of all components of 1st THAAD battery to U.S. Army",''Yourdefencenews.com'',March 8,2012]</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 1990.  In September 1992, the U.S. Army selected [[Lockheed Martin]] as prime contractor for THAAD development. Prior to 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.  The first THAAD flight test occurred in April 1995, 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&nbsp;4-9). The first successful intercepts were conducted on June&nbsp;20, 1999, and August&nbsp;2, 1999, against [[Hera missile]]s.

=== Demonstration-Validation Phase ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
| style="width:120pt;"| '''Date'''
! Result
! Notes
|-
| 21 April 1995
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| First test flight to prove the propulsion system. There was no target in the test.
|-
| 31 July 1995
| Aborted
| Kill vehicle control test. The test flight was aborted. There was no target in the test.
|-
| 13 October 1995
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Launched to test its target-seeking system. There was no attempt to hit the target in the test.
|-
| 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.
|-
| 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.
|-
| 15 July 1996
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to a malfunction in the targeting system.
|-
| 6 March 1997
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to a contamination in the electrical system.
|-
| 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.
|-
| 29 March 1999
| <span style="color:red;">Failure</span>
| Failed to hit a test target due to multiple failures including guidance system.
|-
| 10 June 1999
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Hit a test target in a simplified test scenario.
|-
| 2 August 1999
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Hit a test target outside the atmosphere.
|}

=== Engineering and manufacturing phase ===
In June 2000, Lockheed won the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract to turn the design into a mobile tactical army fire unit.  Flight tests of this system resumed with missile characterization and full-up system tests in 2006 at [[White Sands Missile Range]], then moved to the [[Pacific Missile Range Facility]].

{| class="wikitable"
|-
| style="width:120pt;"| '''Date'''
! Result
! Notes
|-
| 22 November 2005
| <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.
|-
| 11 May 2006
| <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. 
|-
| 12 July 2006
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FLT-03.  Intercepted a live target missile.
|-
| 13 September 2006
| 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."
|-
| Fall 2006
| Cancelled
| FLT-05, a missile-only test, was postponed until mid-spring 2007.
|-
| 27 January 2007
| <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.
|-
| 6 April 2007
| <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>[https://news.monstersandcritics.com/intelandterror/article_1288160.php/BMD_Focus_MDA%60s_new_THAAD_success "MDA's new THAAD success"], Martin Sieff,  UPI, April 6, 2007</ref><ref>[https://starbulletin.com/2007/04/06/news/story07.html "Army, Navy and Air Force shoot down test missile"], Tom Finnegan, ''[[Honolulu Star-Bulletin]]'', Friday, April 6, 2007</ref>
|-
| 27 October 2007
| <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=https://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=2007-10-26 |accessdate=2011-01-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://frontierindia.net/thaad-weapon-system-conducts-successful-exo-atmospheric-interceptor-test/ |title=31st successful 'hit to kill' intercept in 39 tests |publisher=Frontierindia.net |date=2007-10-27 |accessdate=2011-01-24}}</ref>
|-
| 27 June 2008
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| Downed a missile launched from a [[C-17 Globemaster III]].<ref>[https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_thaad_062608/  "THAAD shoots down missile from C-17"]. The Associated Press, June 27, 2008</ref>
|-
| 17 September 2008
| Aborted
| Target missile failed shortly after launch so neither interceptor was launched.  Officially a "no test".<ref>[https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/08news0078.pdf/Missile Defense Test Conducted] [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]] September 27, 2008</ref>
|-
|  17 March  2009 
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| A repeat of the September flight test.  This time it was a success.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/html/thaad1.html |title= Terminal High Altitude Area Defense |publisher= [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]] |date= March 17, 2009 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090326071939/https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/html/thaad1.html |archivedate= March 26, 2009 }}</ref>
|-
| 11 December 2009
| Aborted
| FTT-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= https://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2009/12/12/news/kauai_news/doc4b2340ec88a64507181422.txt |title= Officials investigating cause of missile failure  |newspaper= [[The Garden Island]] |date= December 12, 2009}}</ref>
|-
| 29 June 2010
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FTT-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= https://www.mda.mil/news/10news0008.html |title= THAAD System Intercepts Target in Successful Missile Defense Flight Test |website= [[Missile Defense Agency|MDA]] |date= June 29, 2010 }}</ref>
|-
| 5 October 2011
| <span style="color:green;">Success</span>
| FTT-12: Conducted a successful endo-atmospheric intercept of two targets with two interceptors.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://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= October 5, 2011 |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20111209040121/https://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2011/MFC_100511_THAADAchievesIntercept.html |archivedate= December 9, 2011 }}</ref>
|-
| 24 October 2012
| <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=https://www.mda.mil/global/documents/pdf/FTI_01_factsheet.pdf | title=FTI-01 Mission Data Sheet | publisher=Missile Defense Agency | date=15 October 2012}}</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=https://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}}</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=https://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}}</ref>
|}

===THAAD-ER===
Lockheed is pushing for funding for the development of an ER version of the THAAD to counter maturing threats posed by [[hypersonic glide vehicle]]s adversaries may employ, namely the Chinese [[WU-14]], to penetrate the gap between low and high-altitude missile defenses.  The company performed static fire trials of a prototype modified THAAD second booster in 2006 and continued to self-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.  Although the kill vehicle would not need a redesign, the ground-based launcher would have to be modified with a decreased interceptor capacity from eight to five.  Currently, THAAD-ER is an industry concept and not a program of record, but Lockheed believes the Missile Defense Agency will show interest because of the threats under development by potential adversaries.<ref name="aviationweek8jan15">[https://aviationweek.com/defense/china-s-hypersonic-ambitions-prompt-thaad-er-push China’s Hypersonic Ambitions Prompt Thaad-ER Push] - Aviationweek.com, 8 January 2015</ref> If funding for the THAAD-ER began in 2018, a fielded product could be produced in 2022.  Although the system could provide some capability against a rudimentary hypersonic threat, the Pentagon is researching other technologies like [[directed energy weapon]]s and [[railgun]]s to be optimal solutions.  Therefore, the THAAD-ER would be an interim measure to counter the emerging threat until laser and railgun systems capable of performing missile defense come online, expected in the mid to late-2020s.<ref>[https://aviationweek.com/defense/thaad-er-search-mission Thaad-ER In Search Of A Mission] - Aviationweek.com, 20 January 2015</ref>

== Production and deployment ==
[[File:tems11.jpg|thumb|right|upright|THAAD Energy Management Steering maneuver, used to burn excess propellant.]]

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 fuse.  Although the actual figures are classified, THAAD missiles have an estimated range of 125 [[mile]]s (200&nbsp;km), and can reach an altitude of 93 miles (150&nbsp;km).  The THAAD missile is manufactured at the Lockheed Martin [[Pike County, Alabama|Pike County]] Operations facility near [[Troy, Alabama]]. The facility performs final integration, assembly and testing of the THAAD missile.

[[File:FBX T.jpg|thumb|left|upright|The AN/TPY-2 radar]]
{{Anchor|AN/TPY-2|TPY-2|THAAD Radar|radar}}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. It is the world's largest ground/air-transportable X-Band radar. 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''', in late 2006/early 2007.

A THAAD battery consists of nine launcher vehicles, each equipped with eight missiles, with two mobile tactical operations centers (TOCs) and the ground-based radar (GBR);<ref>[https://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 U.S. Army has received the latest upgrade for THAAD air defense missile system] - Armyrecognition.com, 2 January 2015</ref> the Army plans to field at least six THAAD batteries.<ref name="aviationweek8jan15"/>

=== First units activated ===
On 28 May 2008, the U.S. Army activated Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas.  The Unit is part of the [[32nd Army Air & Missile Defense Command]].  It has 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>[https://pn.newsblaze.com/story/2008052812130400003.pnw/topstory.html "First Battery of THAAD Weapon System Activated at Fort Bliss"]. Lockheed Martin via ''newsblaze'', May 28, 2008</ref><ref>[https://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/press_releases/2008/MFC_052808FirstBatteryTHAADWeaponSystem.html "First Battery of THAAD Weapon System Activated at Fort Bliss"], Press Release, ''Lockheed Martin Official Website'', May 28, 2008</ref>

On October 16, 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, at Fort Bliss.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS152750+16-Oct-2009+PRN20091016 "Second Battery of Lockheed Martin's THAAD Weapon System Activated at Fort Bliss"], Reuters (10-16-2009). Retrieved 10-20-2009.</ref>

On August 15, 2012, Lockheed received a $150 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to produce THAAD Weapon System launchers and fire control and communications equipment for the U.S. Army.  The contract includes 12 launchers, two fire control and communications units, and support equipment.  The contract will provide 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>[https://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/news/press-releases/2012/august/mfc-081512-lm-receives150million.html Lockheed Martin Receives $150 Million Contract To Produce THAAD Weapon System Equipment For The U.S. Army] - Lockheed press release, Aug. 15, 2012</ref>

=== Deployments ===
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 Korea]]n launch targeted at 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=2009-06-18 |accessdate=2011-01-24}}</ref>

In April 2013, the United States declared that Alpha Battery, 4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, would be deployed to [[Guam]] to defend against a possible [[North Korea]]n [[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=2013-04-03 |accessdate=2013-04-03}}</ref><ref name="elpasotimes">{{cite web | url=https://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_22983471/100-bound-guam | title=100 bound for Guam: Fort Bliss THAAD unit readies for historic mission | publisher=El Paso Times | date=2013-04-09 | accessdate=2013-04-12 | author=Burge, David}}</ref>

In March 2014 Alpha Battery, 2nd ADA RGT, 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, Alpha 2 took its place for a 12-month deployment.

The American [[AN/TPY-2]] early missile warning radar station on Mt. Keren in the [[Negev]] desert is the only active foreign military installation in Israel.<ref>[https://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2115955,00.html "How a U.S. Radar Station in the Negev Affects a Potential Israel-Iran Clash."] ''Time Magazine'', 30 May 2012.</ref>

According to U.S. officials the AN/TPY-2 radar was deployed at Turkey's Kürecik Air Force base.<ref>[https://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 Update'', 30 January 2012</ref> The radar was activated at January 2012.<ref>[https://www.turkishweekly.net/news/128691/ "NATO Activates Radar in Turkey Next Week"] ''Turkish Weekly Journal'', 24 December 2011</ref>

On November 1, 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 U.S. military missile defense system test event conducted at [[Wake Island]] and the surrounding ocean areas. 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 that was launched by a [[Boeing C-17 Globemaster III|C-17 transport plane]]. 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, launched by a second C-17.<ref>''USS John Paul Jones participates in ballistic missile defense test'', Ho'okele – Pearl Harbor – Hickam News, November 6, 2015, https://www.hookelenews.com/uss-john-paul-jones-participates-in-ballistic-missile-defense-test/</ref><ref>''U.S. completes complex test of layered missile defense system'', Reuters, Anfrea Shalal, November 1, 2015, https://www.reuters.com/article/2015/11/02/us-usa-missile-defense-idUSKCN0SQ2GR20151102#A5FPzTc4GoPTGuvo.99</ref>

In November 2015, [[Minister of Defense (Japan)|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.  Previous efforts by the U.S. to send the system to South Korea resulted in a backlash from China, and China has already criticized Japanese military growth.<ref>[https://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 deployement of US missile defense system including the THAAD] - Armyrecognition.com, 24 November 2015</ref>

=== International users ===
The [[United Arab Emirates]] signed a deal to purchase the missile defense system on December 25, 2011.<ref>[https://www.cnn.com/2011/12/30/us/uae-defense-system/index.html? "U.S., UAE reach deal for missile-defense system"], CNN Wire Staff, ''CNN'', Dec 30, 2011</ref> On May 27, 2013, [[Oman]] announced a deal for the acquisition of the THAAD air defense system.<ref>[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 Oman to buy the air defense missile system THAAD] - Armyrecognition.com, May 27, 2013</ref>

On 17 October 2013, the [[South Korean military]] asked the Pentagon to provide information on the THAAD system.  Information of the system concerned prices and capabilities as part of efforts to strengthen defenses against North Korean ballistic missiles.<ref>[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 Army of South Korea shows interest for the U.S. THAAD] - Armyrecognition.com, 18 October 2013</ref> In May 2014, the Pentagon revealed it was studying sites to base American THAAD batteries in South Korea.<ref>[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 United States Army has a plan to deploy THAAD air defense missile systems in South Korea] - Armyrecognition.com, 29 May 2014</ref> However, South Korea decided it will develop its own indigenous long-range surface-to-air missile instead of buying the THAAD.<ref>[https://english.sina.com/world/2014/0602/705974.html S. Korea to develop indigenous missile defense system instead of adopting THAAD] - Sina.com, 3 June 2014</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>[https://world.kbs.co.kr/english/news/news_Po_detail.htm?No=103072 'S.Korea Requested Information on THAAD to Develop L-SAM'] - KBS.co.kr, 5 June 2014</ref> China said deployment of the system in South Korea would be a threat to China's security and would lead to a serious economical and politic consequences for Chinese-Korean relations.<ref>https://journal-neo.org/2015/04/06/rus-k-razmeshheniyu-v-yuzhnoj-koree-e-lementov-amerikanskoj-sistemy-pro/</ref>  Some South Korean public organizations called on Seoul to reject the deployment. As of February 2016, [[2016 North Korean nuclear test|a recent nuclear test]] and satellite deployment by North Korea prompted the US and South Korea to revisit a potential THAAD deployment in South Korea, with a battery likely to be deployed from Fort Bliss to a location in [[North Gyeongsang Province]] within a matter of weeks.<ref>https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160207000192</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2016/02/11/2016021101619.html|title=U.S. to Deploy THAAD Battery in Korea This Year|publisher=The Chosun Ilbo|date=11 February 2016|accessdate=11 February 2016}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Commons category|Terminal High Altitude Area Defense}}
* [[Arrow (Israeli missile)]]
* [[HQ-9#Variants|HQ-19]]
* [[M1120 HEMTT Load Handling System]] (launcher)
* [[Indian Ballistic Missile Defence Programme]]
* [[S-300VM]]
* [[S-400 (SAM)]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{commons|Terminal High Altitude Area Defense}}
* [https://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/thaad.html Lockheed Martin THAAD web page]
* [https://www.defenselink.mil/specials/missiledefense/tmd-thaad.html Details of the project]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/html/thaad1.html MDA THAAD page]
* [https://www.army-technology.com/projects/thaad/ THAAD page on army-technology.com]
* [https://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app4/thaad.html Program History]
* https://www.airdefenseartillery.com/online/
* [https://www.miltoncat.com/products/NewGenerators/Pages/MilitaryDefense-Work.aspx]

===DEM-VAL Test Program ===
* [https://www.defenselink.mil/releases/1999/b06101999_bt287-99.html  THAAD First Successful Intercept, 10 June 1999]
* [https://www.defenselink.mil/news/Aug1999/b08021999_bt358-99.html  THAAD Second Successful Intercept, 2 August 1999]

===EMD Test Program===
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/05news0011.pdf  Successful THAAD Interceptor Launch Achieved, 22 November 2005]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0017.pdf  Successful THAAD Integrated System Flight Test, 11 May 2006]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdalink/pdf/06news0019.pdf  Successful THAAD Intercept Flight, 12 July 2006]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/06fyi0085.pdf   THAAD Equipment Arrives in Hawaii, October 18, 2006]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0023.pdf  Successful THAAD "High Endo-Atmospheric" Intercept Test, January 27, 2007]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0026.pdf  Successful THAAD Radar Target Tracking Test, March 8, 2007]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0029.pdf  Successful THAAD "Mid Endo-Atmopsheric" Intercept, April 6, 2007]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0037.pdf  THAAD Radar Supports Successful Aegis BMD Intercept, June 22, 2007]
* [https://www.mda.mil/mdaLink/pdf/07news0038.pdf  Successful THAAD Interceptor Low-Altitude "Fly-Out" Test, June 27, 2007]

{{United States Missile Defense}}
{{Lockheed Martin}}

[[Category:Anti-aircraft warfare]]
[[Category:Missile defense]]
[[Category:Anti-ballistic missiles]]
[[Category:Lockheed Martin]]
[[Category:Surface-to-air missiles of the United States]]