During the Gulf War, the American Armed Forces faced Scud missiles from Iraqi forces. These Cold War-era tactical ballistic missiles made the U.S. realize that it needed a way to intercept them before they hit troops. Thus, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was born. Deployed in many different parts of the world, the THAAD missile defense helps protect our nation’s troops and our allies from harm. Suggested read: America's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Program: An Overview

What Is The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense?

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a response to missile threats. It is a proven, kinetic energy-based defense against various ballistic missile types. Additionally, it is effective both within and outside the Earth's atmosphere. Evolving threats continue to push the THAAD missile system to new heights as it undergoes enhancements. Initially a U.S. Army program, the THAAD system is now under the jurisdiction of the Missile Defense Agency. Deployment began in May 2008, with installations in countries like the UAE, Israel, Romania, and South Korea. This occurred despite THAAD being conceptualized in 1987. In 1995, initial flight tests were undertaken with Lockheed Martin leading the project. However, in 1999, there were many successful interceptions. More recently, in January 2022, THAAD successfully intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile in the UAE. In March 2022, the system demonstrated integration with the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE), further expanding its capabilities.

How Many THAAD Batteries Are There?

There are at least seven THAAD batteries throughout the world. This includes the use of the THAAD radar, formally known as the AN/TPY-2 radar. These systems have been positioned in places such as South Korea, Guam, Hawaii, Romania, UAE, and Israel. The missiles can move depending on global threats and need. Related read: How the Missile Defense System Protects America

Can THAAD Intercept Hypersonic Missiles?

It’s unclear whether or not a THAAD battery would be able to intercept a Mach 5 hypersonic missile. This emerging technology is something that the United States continues to develop. On the other hand, China has already succeeded in developing a program. Luckily, there is hope. While some experts believe practical applications are far from certain, according to BAE Systems, the THAAD Seeker guidance system can be a viable solution. This is another testament to the system’s ability to evolve over time for emerging threats. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can be intercepted, but the fear remains that ICBMs could be attacked by hypersonic missiles. This is a pressing threat and point of emphasis to help missile defenses evolve to keep up with such speeds. Using kinetic energy, you won’t find a warhead on THAAD missiles. This is in part why you shouldn’t expect the system to take out an airplane. Anti-aircraft weaponry exists, but to say THAAD is a part of it is inaccurate.

One of Many Systems Working Together

The United States doesn’t just rely on THAAD to get the job done but has a host of missile defense systems that work in differing capacities around the world. Furthermore, they are creating additional systems as new threats emerge. While current American systems still lead the way and have the ability to evolve themselves, there is a need for new technologies. Such is the case with the hypersonic defense weapon systems aiming to intercept hypersonic weapons. As mentioned above, hypersonic missiles pose a growing threat because not only can we not create them yet, but we also don’t know if we can stop them. Part of the reason countries abstain from the use of nuclear weaponry is mutual destruction. However, that can’t exist if every nation can’t attack with similar force. Simply put, while the United States has defense systems all around the globe for a variety of projects and purposes, the country continues to evolve. In 2023, they are testing the technology of THAAD to see if it can help Israel protect itself from incoming attacks.

THAAD and Additional Troops Are Heading to the Israeli-Hamas Conflict

Patriot and THAAD missile systems are heading to the Middle East as the United States continues to support Israel in its fight against Hamas. Stemming from a terrorist attack from Hamas, the region is full of turmoil, with neighboring forces threatening and actively firing attacks as well. Both Israel and the United States are working to prevent American troops on the ground, yet thousands are still getting ready to deploy to the area as a show of force. Multiple Naval fleets have also joined the region, even becoming active in preventing attacks from Yemen. These events were part of the ongoing escalation Israel and the Gaza Strip continue to see. They are also likely to have inspired the introduction of additional missile systems. Drone and missile strikes have been an active threat with the United States highly suspicious of Iran supporting the attempts through proxies. THAAD and the Patriot systems will add to the various American forces with intercepting capabilities as well as the Iron Dome and David’s Sling. Calls for ceasefires continue to fall on deaf ears as a ground invasion remains suspected from Israeli forces. Read next: The Iron Dome in Israel: A Closer Look