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Missiles

Lockheed Martin Delivers Eighth Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery to US Government

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US-based defense technology company, Lockheed Martin, has achieved a significant milestone in the production of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, delivering the Minimum Engagement Package (MEP) of the eighth THAAD battery to the US government. This latest development marks a major enhancement to the US Army's defense capabilities, enabling it to protect valuable assets across the homeland and the globe from ballistic missile threats. The THAAD system, which has proven its effectiveness in combat, is set to become an even more critical component of the US missile defense architecture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lockheed Martin has delivered the MEP of the eighth THAAD battery to the US government, consisting of three launchers and a fire control unit paired with Raytheon Technologies' AN/TPY-2 radar.
  • The remaining equipment is scheduled to be delivered later this summer, marking a significant milestone in the production of the THAAD system.
  • The eighth THAAD battery will increase the US military's flexibility and responsiveness to emerging threats, protect critical infrastructure, population centers, and military assets, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the US missile defense architecture.
  • Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor for the THAAD system since 1987, playing a critical role in its continued development, production, and integration.
  • The first US THAAD battery, A-4, was delivered and activated by the US Army in May 2008.
  • The Missile Defense Agency awarded a contract to produce the eighth US THAAD battery in 2022.
  • THAAD is a combat-proven, highly advanced hit-to-kill missile defense system with a 100% flight test intercept rate, designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles inside and outside of the earth's atmosphere.
  • Dawn Golightly, vice president, Upper Tier Integrated Air and Missile Defense, Lockheed Martin, considers THAAD a "combat-proven, game-changing asset" for the US and its allies.

Statistics:

  • The THAAD system has a 100% flight test intercept rate.
  • The first US THAAD battery, A-4, was delivered in May 2008.
  • Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor for the THAAD system since 1987.
  • The Missile Defense Agency awarded a contract to produce the eighth US THAAD battery in 2022.
  • The THAAD system will enable the US military to respond to evolving ballistic missile threats, ensuring the security of the country and its allies.

Sources:

  • Lockheed Martin Corporation news release
  • US Army
  • Missile Defense Agency

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