Q. What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news? (UPSC Prelims 2018)
Answer:
An American anti-missile system
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] An American anti-missile system. THAAD is a highly sophisticated, mobile defense system designed to protect against incoming ballistic missile threats.
Key Features of THAAD
- Origin and Purpose: Developed by the United States (specifically Lockheed Martin), THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase (the final stage of flight as they descend toward their target).
- "Hit-to-Kill" Technology: Unlike traditional missiles that use explosive warheads to destroy a target, THAAD uses pure kinetic energy. The interceptor destroys the incoming missile by colliding with it at extremely high speeds, which minimizes the risk of detonating conventional or nuclear warheads.
- Altitude and Range: It is capable of intercepting targets both inside (endo-atmospheric) and outside (exo-atmospheric) the Earth's atmosphere. It fills a critical gap between lower-tier systems like the Patriot (MIM-104) and higher-tier systems like the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense.
- Radar System: It utilizes the powerful AN/TPY-2 radar, an X-band system capable of detecting and tracking enemy missiles from long distances.
Strategic SignificanceTHAAD has been a subject of significant geopolitical discussion due to its deployment in various global hotspots:
- South Korea: Deployed to counter threats from North Korea, though the move faced strong opposition from China due to concerns over the system's radar range.
- West Asia: Frequently deployed in Israel, the UAE, and recently Jordan (2026) to provide a layered defense against regional ballistic missile threats.
- Guam & Hawaii: Permanent or rotational deployments to protect critical U.S. Pacific interests.