Name	THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) Missile
Image
Varient	NA
Country of origin	USA (Lockheed Martin)
Type	Long range surface-to-air missile (SAM)
Range	200 km
Altitude	150 km
Length	6.17 m
Diameter	340 mm
Fin span	370 mm
Mass	900 kg
Flight Duration	Not known
Warhead	Not known
Warhead yield	Not known
Max Speed	Mach 8.2
Propulsion	Solid fuel
Engine	Single-stage solid-fuel rocket motor with thrust vectoring
Guidance	Indium-antimonide imaging infra-red seeker head
Launch platform	Transporter-erector-launcher
Service period	2008-Present
Description	The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a highly mobile, land-based, interceptor missile system developed by the United States. It’s designed to destroy incoming ballistic missiles in the terminal (final) phase of their flight, both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. THAAD employs a “hit-to-kill” approach, meaning it destroys targets through direct collision rather than detonation of a warhead. Each THAAD battery consists of launchers, interceptors, a radar system, and a fire control unit. The system’s AN/TPY-2 radar is a powerful ground-based radar capable of detecting and tracking ballistic missiles at long ranges. THAAD interceptors are launched vertically and use infrared homing to guide themselves to the target. The system is primarily designed to counter short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It’s a key component of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System. THAAD is highly deployable and can be rapidly moved to different locations. It has been deployed in several countries and is considered a crucial asset in strategic defense. The system’s effectiveness has been repeatedly demonstrated in test scenarios. THAAD doesn’t carry explosives; the kinetic energy of the impact destroys the target. It’s designed to intercept missiles carrying weapons of mass destruction. The system operates autonomously once it receives targeting data. THAAD offers a high degree of protection against ballistic missile threats.
Website	https://www.lockheedmartin.com

Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available sources and should be considered for general knowledge purposes only.