Difference between revisions of "THAAD"
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| − | The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (formerly known as ''Theater High Altitude Area Defense''), or '''THAAD''', is the latest version of the missile-defense system used by the [[United States]]. On May 2, 2017, officials confirmed that it has been deployed in [[South Korea]] to defend against [[communist]] [[North Korea]]. | + | The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (formerly known as ''Theater High Altitude Area Defense''), or '''THAAD''', is the latest version of the [[missile-defense system]] used by the [[United States]]. On May 2, 2017, officials confirmed that it has been deployed in [[South Korea]] to defend against [[communist]] [[North Korea]]. |
THAAD shoots down long-range missiles in mid-flight or as they near their target. It does not intercept them at the launch phase, and is ineffective against intermediate-range missiles of the kind that North Korea has been testing in late 2016 and early 2017.<ref>www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/10/15/north-korea-s-scary-new-nuke-missiles</ref> | THAAD shoots down long-range missiles in mid-flight or as they near their target. It does not intercept them at the launch phase, and is ineffective against intermediate-range missiles of the kind that North Korea has been testing in late 2016 and early 2017.<ref>www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/10/15/north-korea-s-scary-new-nuke-missiles</ref> | ||
Revision as of 01:36, June 1, 2017
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (formerly known as Theater High Altitude Area Defense), or THAAD, is the latest version of the missile-defense system used by the United States. On May 2, 2017, officials confirmed that it has been deployed in South Korea to defend against communist North Korea.
THAAD shoots down long-range missiles in mid-flight or as they near their target. It does not intercept them at the launch phase, and is ineffective against intermediate-range missiles of the kind that North Korea has been testing in late 2016 and early 2017.[1]
Design and function
The THAAD rocket stands at just over 20 feet long (242.9 inches). It does not use explosives--it destroys missiles using kinetic energy (by impact). It essentially contains only a rocket booster and guidance package. However, THAAD is currently the most advanced missile defense system known in the world. So far, it boasts a 100% success rate.[2] Largely due to their size, the rockets are portable, and often deployed on trucks. They can also be carried by other vehicles, including ships.
References
- ↑ www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/10/15/north-korea-s-scary-new-nuke-missiles
- ↑ http://www.businessinsider.com/thaad-missile-defense-2016
