US Sends Clear Message To Iran And North Korea

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Lockheed Martin successfully intercepted a "high endo-atmospheric" (just inside earth’s atmosphere) unitary (non-separating) target representing a "SCUD"-type ballistic missile January 26 using the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system. This is the first system test conducted over the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) on Kauai, HI.

THAAD is designed specifically to defend against short to intermediate range ballistic missiles. The system comprises a number of components to identify, track and destroy inbound ballistic missile warheads. THAAD is a "hit-to-kill" system. It carries no explosives, using only kinetic energy from a direct impact to vaporize its target.

Lockheed and MDA say the flight test met all objectives, including demonstrating the integration of the radar, launcher, fire control and communications and interceptor operations; demonstrating radar and interceptor discrimination; and target acquisition and tracking by the interceptor's seeker.

"This successful test demonstrates THAAD's ability to take out hostile targets early and quickly," said Tom McGrath, Lockheed Martin's program manager and vice president for the THAAD program. "On the expansive range at PMRF, the THAAD missile can fly greater distances, increasing our testing options and creating a realistic tactical environment. We are happy to begin testing at PMRF with a success and look forward to many more exciting missions."

The THAAD program restarted flight testing in November 2005 at White Sands Missile Range, NM following a nearly seven-year hiatus. Between 1995 and 1998, the system's developers were unable to work out the bugs and Lockheed shelved the program.

Since then, the leaders of both North Korea and Iran have tested ballistic missile systems breathing new life into THAAD. Lockheed's team boasts three successful THAAD tests at White Sands -- one including a successful airborne intercept -- and the latest at PMRF.

The system has intercepted actual airborne targets in two out of three tests --  on one the simulated missile was destroyed shortly after liftoff by its controllers when it malfunctioned.

FMI: www.mda.gov, www.lockheedmartin.com