Missile Defense System To Field In 2009

Lockheed Martin has won $619 million contract from the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to begin production of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. The contract for the first two THAAD fire units includes 48 interceptors, six launchers and two fire control and communications units. The system is scheduled for fielding in Fiscal Year 2009.

"This is a major milestone for the THAAD program," said Tom McGrath, Lockheed Martin vice president and THAAD program manager. "Lockheed Martin, our customers at MDA and the THAAD Project Office have been working together to ensure that warfighters receive a missile defense system they can count on to defend themselves and the assets they are protecting. Once fielded, THAAD will network with other systems and sensors to provide the layered missile defense capability required for the future."

Final assembly, integration and testing of production equipment will take place at Lockheed Martin's manufacturing facilities in Troy, AL, and Camden, AR.

The Lockheed Martin Pike County Operations in Troy includes a 46,000-square-foot, $12 million facility constructed specifically for THAAD interceptor integration, assembly and test operations.

THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to intermediate range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a fire control and communications system, interceptors, launchers and a radar. The THAAD interceptor uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes.

The system has seen its share of troubles. It was shelved for nearly seven years after scoring a dismal zero for five in back-to-back tests by Lockheed between 1995 and 1998. The decision was made to revive it following the sabre rattling in the form of short- and medium-range ballistic missile firings by North Korea and Iran.

US Army units in Hawaii took over testing of the system in late July following a successful test firing over White Sands, NM. In that test, set up only to test the seeker head's ability to track a target, THAAD successfully intercepted an airborne target.

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