THAAD Air defence

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a highly effective, combat-proven Air defense system developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States. It's designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase of flight, both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.

Specifications 

• Mass:    2,000 lb (900 kg)
• Length:   20 ft 3 in (6.17 m)
• Diameter:   13 in (340 mm) (booster); 15 in (370 mm) 
• Engine:   Single-stage rocket by Aerojet Rocketdyne 
• Propellant:   Pratt & Whitney solid-fueled rocket
• Top range:   200km(120mi)
• Flight altitude:   150 km  (93 mi)
• Maximum speed:    6,300 mph (2,800 m/s; 10,000 km/h; Mach 8.2)
• Guidance system:    Indium-antimonide imaging infra-red seeker head
• Accuracy (cep) :    0.1 metar  (hit to kill)
• Transport:   Transporter, erector, launcher

Capabilities:

 "Hit-to-kill" approach: THAAD does not use an explosive warhead. Instead, it destroys incoming missiles by directly colliding with them at very high speeds, using kinetic energy. This minimizes the risk of detonation of the incoming warhead.

 High-altitude interception: It can intercept missiles at altitudes ranging from 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles), and is the only U.S. system designed to intercept targets both outside and inside the atmosphere. This high-altitude capability is crucial for mitigating the potential effects of weapons of mass destruction.

  Interoperability: THAAD is designed to work seamlessly with other ballistic missile defense systems, such as Aegis and Patriot, creating a layered defense network.

  Mobility: It is a highly mobile and deployable system, capable of being deployed worldwide.

  Advanced sensor technology: The system incorporates an advanced X-band radar (AN/TPY-2) that can detect, track, and discriminate incoming threats from a significant distance (up to 999 kilometers or 621 miles).

  Continuous improvement: THAAD undergoes incremental capability enhancements to improve its effectiveness against current and emerging threats, including integration with other missile systems, such as the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE).

A typical THAAD battery consists of five major components:

  Launchers: Truck-mounted launchers that can each carry up to eight interceptors. A typical THAAD battery includes six launchers.

  Interceptors: Single-stage, solid-fuel rocket motor missiles that use a kinetic kill vehicle to destroy targets through direct impact.

  Radar (AN/TPY-2): An advanced X-band radar that detects, tracks, and discriminates incoming missiles. It's a crucial part of the system's ability to identify and engage threats.

 THAAD Fire Control and Communications (TFCC): The command and control system that manages battle planning, mission operations, and coordinates with other defense systems.

  Unique THAAD support equipment: This includes various support systems necessary for the operation and maintenance of the THAAD battery.

Range:

The THAAD missile system has an approximate interception range of 200 kilometers (124 miles) and can intercept targets at altitudes up to 150 kilometers (93 miles).

Cost:

The cost of each THAAD battery is approximately $1 billion. Individual THAAD interceptors are estimated to cost around $12-15 million each.

Development and Deployment:

THAAD was developed by the US after experiencing Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Its first deployment occurred in 2008. The U.S. Army operates several THAAD batteries, with deployments in strategic locations like Guam and South Korea to counter specific threats. THAAD has also been procured by other nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.