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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. THAAD is supposedly the most advanced missile defense system known in the world. So far, it boasts a 100% success rate.<ref>https://www.businessinsider.com/thaad-missile-defense-2016</ref> Largely due to their size, the rockets are portable, and often deployed on trucks.  They can also be carried by other vehicles, including ships.

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. THAAD is supposedly the most advanced missile defense system known in the world. So far, it boasts a 100% success rate.<ref>https://www.businessinsider.com/thaad-missile-defense-2016</ref> Largely due to their size, the rockets are portable, and often deployed on trucks.  They can also be carried by other vehicles, including ships.

[[File:THAAD diagram.jpg|thumbnail|left|The design of a THAAD rocket|500px]]

[[File:THAAD diagram.jpg|thumbnail|right|The design of a THAAD rocket|500px]]

1 battery has between 6-9 launchers for a maximum of 72 missiles. At 2 missiles per incoming target, 1 battery at full strength can be used against 36 incoming targets. The US has only 7 batteries - each containing at least 6-9 launchers, supported by fire control and communications stations, and a radar group. Construction of an 8th battery was announced in 2022 but was not expected to be complete until at least 2025, illustrating the very long lead times involved. Each THAAD launcher holds 8 missiles at the ready with up to 48-72 missiles in total per battery - this means that all 7 US batteries, firing 2 missiles per incoming round to maximize the probability of interception could attempt to intercept between 168-252 incoming targets.

1 battery has between 6-9 launchers for a maximum of 72 missiles. At 2 missiles per incoming target, 1 battery at full strength can be used against 36 incoming targets. The US has only 7 batteries - each containing at least 6-9 launchers, supported by fire control and communications stations, and a radar group. Construction of an 8th battery was announced in 2022 but was not expected to be complete until at least 2025, illustrating the very long lead times involved. Each THAAD launcher holds 8 missiles at the ready with up to 48-72 missiles in total per battery - this means that all 7 US batteries, firing 2 missiles per incoming round to maximize the probability of interception could attempt to intercept between 168-252 incoming targets.