Lockheed Martin Delivers 900th THAAD Interceptor

3 February, 2025 THAAD. Photo credits: US Army The American defense giant Lockheed Martin has handed over the 900th interceptor for the THAAD missile defense system to the US Army.

This was reported on the company's official website. This milestone was important for the company, as THAAD interceptors provide the ability to destroy medium- and short-range ballistic missiles over most of the trajectory, both during takeoff and directly at the terminal stage of flight. The system is equipped with a kinetic warhead, which is much more effective than the usual high-explosive warheads, as it allows for greater destructive force to hit the missile directly, causing damage that prevents it from continuing its flight.

The THAAD missile defense system during deployment.

Photo: MDA

"This milestone comes at a time when global events have highlighted THAAD's strategic importance in deterring and countering evolving threats," said Dan Nimblett, vice president of Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense at Lockheed Martin. According to the published tactical and technical characteristics of the THAAD system, the missiles are capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at an altitude of 150 km and a range of up to 200 km, which also confirms the importance of deploying the systems closer to potential launch sites. Due to the growing instability in the Middle East, the United States, in order to support Israel, deployed batteries of the THAAD missile defense system, which on December 27, 2024, successfully intercepted a ballistic missile fired from Yemen.

Today, the United States has 7 batteries, and it is expected that their number will be expanded to 8 batteries as part of strengthening the missile defense of the US Army's ground component.

The THAAD missile defense system combat position. Photo: US Army

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the United States had completed the training of the first company of personnel for the THAAD missile defense system for Saudi Arabia. In total, it was planned to supply 44 launchers, 360 missiles, 16 command posts, and 7 AN/TPY-2 radars, as well as auxiliary equipment and maintenance services.

The total cost was estimated at £15 billion.

It is expected that the Kingdom would manufacture missile transport and launch containers and launcher components.