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US Receives 900th THAAD Interceptor

The US Missile Defense Agency has taken delivery of its 900th Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor from Lockheed Martin.

A transportable system, the THAAD intercepts short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats both inside and outside the atmosphere using hit-to-kill technology.

The delivery comes amid increasing global tensions, including Iran’s deployment of AI-equipped missiles during drills and North Korea’s launch of multiple ballistic missiles earlier this month.

“THAAD is crucial to protecting our nation and allies against a range of ballistic missile threats and Lockheed Martin will continue to work with our industry and government partners to deliver its proven capability,” said Dan Nimblett, VP of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin. 

Missile Defense

Lockheed’s THAAD can reportedly engage missile targets from 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 134 miles) away.

The system is combat-proven, with a 100 percent flight test intercept record and successful integration with the PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement interceptor.

It also works well with the US Navy’s AEGIS missile defense system and the Ground-based Midcourse Defense System as part of a robust missile defense network.

Additionally, US allies such as South Korea and Israel operate THAAD batteries.

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