The power of the THAAD missile defense system

THAAD is a state-of-the-art missile defense system that can intercept any threat to America with a 100% success rate.

High Altitude Area Defense Terminal THAAD (high-end area defense device) is a defense system designed by Lockheed Martin Corporation to intercept ballistic missiles.

THAD has the ability to neutralize threats from enemy ballistic missiles.(Photo: Business Insider).

According to Business Insider, in April 2013, the Pentagon deployed a THAAD squadron to Guam to prevent North Korea's provocation and protect other areas of the Pacific. A special feature of THAAD is that it does not carry warheads containing explosives, instead it uses kinetic energy from high-speed collisions to destroy targets.

It is equipped with the advanced 'hit-to-kill ' technology that enables the deactivation of ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere. Each launcher carries 8 missiles. It can fire multiple bullets depending on the severity of the threat.

How does THAAD destroy the target?

First, a target missile will be launched from a location quite far away, followed by AN / TPY-2 radar that will monitor and calculate the flight trajectory of the target missile. Information from AN / TPY-2 radar will be sent to the control center for processing and forwarding to the firing control system. A second AN / TPY-2 radar will be in charge of controlling firepower to guide the missile interceptor. The process from detecting the target to the launch of the interceptor missile takes about 5 minutes. THAAD has the ability to intercept ballistic missiles in the range of 150-200km.

The diagram illustrates the process of detecting, tracking and intercepting ballistic missiles of the THAAD missile defense system.(Photo: Business Insider).

According to the US Missile Defense Agency, more than 6,300 ballistic missiles are out of control of the US, NATO, Russia and China. US partners around the world are looking for ways to buy THAAD interception systems. The UAE became the first foreign customer after signing a US $ 3.4 billion deal with the US Department of Defense.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar have expressed interest in buying the THAAD system . Richard McDaniel, Vice President of Lockheed Martin's Patriot Advanced Capability program, said: 'We believe we will reach an agreement.'