Why is it in the news?
Iran reportedly destroyed a key THAAD radar system used by the United States in the Middle East.
The incident highlights the importance of missile defence systems in modern warfare.
Category: Defence
Important Points:
● THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.
● Developed by the United States to counter ballistic missile threats.
● Designed to intercept missiles during the final stage of their flight.
● Can destroy incoming missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere.
● Uses hit-to-kill technology relying on kinetic energy rather than explosives.
● Effective against short-, medium- and limited intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
● Engagement range is roughly 150–200 km.
● Key components include interceptors, truck-mounted launchers and AN/TPY-2 radar.
● A typical THAAD battery includes about 90 personnel, six launchers and 48 interceptors.