An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : Media : News : News Article View
NEWS | July 31, 2017

THAAD Successfully Intercepts 15th Target

By Missile Defense Agency

KODIAK, Alaska -- The U.S. Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Army soldiers of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade from Fort Bliss, Texas, conducted a successful missile defense test today using the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system.

A medium-range target ballistic missile (MRBM) was air-launched by a U.S. Air Force C-17 over the Pacific Ocean. The THAAD weapon system located at Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska, detected, tracked and intercepted the target.

The test, designated Flight Experiment THAAD (FET)-01, was conducted to gather threat data from a THAAD interceptor in flight.

“In addition to successfully intercepting the target, the data collected will allow MDA to enhance the THAAD weapon system, our modeling and simulation capabilities, and our ability to stay ahead of the evolving threat,” said MDA Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves.

Soldiers from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted launcher, fire control and radar operations using the same procedures they would use in an actual combat scenario.  Soldiers operating the equipment were not aware of the actual target launch time.

This was the 15th successful intercept in 15 tests for the THAAD weapon system.

The THAAD element provides a globally-transportable, rapidly-deployable capability to intercept ballistic missiles inside or outside the atmosphere during their final, or terminal, phase of flight. THAAD is strictly a defensive weapon system.  The system uses hit-to-kill technology where kinetic energy destroys the incoming target.

The mission of the Missile Defense Agency is to develop and deploy a layered ballistic missile defense system to defend the United States, its deployed forces, allies and friends from ballistic missile attacks of all ranges in all phases of flight.

Additional information about all elements of the ballistic missile defense system can be found at https://www.mda.mil.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
Twitter
342,349
Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                                 

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
NIMCSG, JMSDF Conduct Bilateral Maritime Exercise
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) steam behind the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is conducting a bilateral maritime exercise with the JMSDF in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with Allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
March 28, 2023 - PHILIPPINE SEA -- The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) conducted a bilateral maritime exercise with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), March 23-26.USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), and USS...

7th Fleet Destroyer conducts Freedom of Navigation Operation in South China Sea
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) conducts routine underway operations. Milius is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson)
March 28, 2023 - PARACEL ISLANDS, South China Sea – On March 24 (local time) Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG 69) asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands,...

1st MAW and ROK MAG Execute Freedom Shield 2023 at ROK Marine Corps Base Pohang
Marines from the Republic of Korea 1st Marine Division, ROK Marine Aircraft Group, U.S. 1st Marine Division, and 1st Marine Aircraft Wing take a group photo during Freedom Shield 2023 at ROK Marine Corps Base Pohang, South Korea, March 21, 2023. Freedom shield is a defense-oriented exercise designed to strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance, enhance our combined defense posture, and strengthen security and stability on the Korean peninsula.
March 28, 2023 - POHANG, South Korea -- The 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) concluded its participation in Freedom Shield 23 (FS23) on March 23, 2023. Freedom Shield is a defensive exercise which focuses on building the combined capabilities...

Lightning IIs Arrive at Kadena to Maintain Advanced Fighter Presence
Four U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning IIs assigned to the 354th Fighter Wing at Eilson Air Force Base, Alaska, fly in formation over Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2023. While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-35s will work in conjunction with other fighter units at Kadena to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities.
March 28, 2023 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- F-35A Lightning IIs from the 355th Fighter Squadron (FS), Eielson Air Force Base, arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2023, to ensure continuous fighter presence through the phased return of...

U.S. Coast Guard Serves Partners in Commonwealth of Northern Marianas
The crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (1139) support personnel from Maritime Safety and Security Teams Honolulu and Seattle for a surge operation in the vicinity of Saipan on March 11, 2023. The cutter crew provided weapons, area familiarization, additional boarding team personnel, and small boat support for two weeks. The MSSTs conducted a boating safety operation to ensure compliance with federal and local requirements. They also provided support and a search and rescue stand-by during the 4th Annual Wahoo in the Marianas Derby.
March 28, 2023 - SANTA RITA, Guam -- The crew of USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) returned to Guam on March 20, 2023, following a three-week deployment to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as part of the ongoing Operation...