Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)  (Prelims- Science & Technology, Defence)

Why in News?

The delivery of THAAD battery risks further inflaming the conflict in West Asia; Pentagon spokesperson says the deployment underscores United States’ commitment to the defence of Israel

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system plays a vital role in the Ballistic Missile Defense System (BMDS) by providing a highly mobile and rapidly deployable capability to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight.

• THAAD Batteries consist of four main components: launcher, interceptor, Radar, and Fire Control unit. 
• The launcher is truck-mounted and can carry up to eight interceptors, allowing for rapid firing and reloading. 
• The THAAD interceptor has a range of approximately 200 km and utilises hit-to-kill technology to destroy incoming threats with kinetic energy. 
• THAAD employs the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance (AN/TPY-2), a large air-transportable X-band Radar with a range of up to 1,000 km, to provide tracking data to the missile interceptor. Additionally, the Aegis platform is capable of providing space domain awareness to the air and missile defence community.

In terms of regional defence, THAAD is designed to intercept missiles during their terminal phase of flight and protect against short-range (up to 1,000 km), medium-range (1,000 – 3,000 km), and intermediate-range (3,000 – 5,000 km) ballistic missiles either inside or just outside the atmosphere. 

• THAAD can integrate information from Aegis, satellites, and external sensors to expand its coverage and work with Patriot/PAC-3 and the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications system. Its radar coverage is designed to counter mass raids and can be part of a layered defence system.

In December 2011, the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reached an arms deal worth $3.48 billion for the UAE to purchase two THAAD systems, missiles, radar system, parts, and training. This made the UAE the first international recipient of the THAAD system and the first nation to successfully use THAAD in a combat situation.

Strategic ImplicationsThe South 

The Korean government recently approved the deployment of a U.S. THAAD system to the peninsula. This ballistic missile defense system will be stationed in Seongju, offering protection to areas within a 200 km range, including Seoul. The decision has sparked strong opposition from Chinese leadership due to concerns about the capabilities of the AN/TPY-2 radar, which can detect missile launches and activities up to 1,000 km away within Chinese territory.

Current Development

THAAD is being developed to support USINDOPACOM JEON. The new design will allow launchers to go forward while keeping the battery and radar further back, aiding deployment on the Korean Peninsula.