Lockheed Martin Highlights THAAD in Missile Defence

Missile Defence Lockheed Martin Highlights THAAD’s Evolving Role in Missile Defence Architectures

2025-09-22 Source: Lockheed Martin 1 min Reading Time

Lockheed Martin underscores the growing importance of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in countering advanced missile threats. Recent combat use and ongoing upgrades demonstrate its expanding role in layered, networked defence architectures worldwide.

A rendering of a THAAD interceptor in flight. THAAD interceptors provide high-altitude missile defence with proven hit-to-kill capability, now evolving toward integration with next-generation missile defence architectures.(Source: Lockheed Martin) — A rendering of a THAAD interceptor in flight. THAAD interceptors provide high-altitude missile defence with proven hit-to-kill capability, now evolving toward integration with next-generation missile defence architectures.
(Source: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin is emphasising the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system’s capabilities in defending against an increasingly complex missile threat environment. Combat-proven and globally deployed, THAAD remains the only U.S.-designed missile defence system capable of intercepting ballistic missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere with hit-to-kill precision.

Originally developed in the 1990s to fill a critical gap in ballistic missile defence identified during the Gulf War, THAAD has since become a cornerstone of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defence System. Over three decades of operational experience have driven continuous upgrades, including improved interoperability with other systems and the integration of the PAC-3 MSE missile for enhanced performance.

THAAD achieved its first confirmed combat intercept in January 2022 when United Arab Emirates air defenders, trained and supported by Lockheed Martin, successfully neutralised two incoming medium-range ballistic missiles. This real-world engagement validated THAAD’s operational effectiveness and its role in protecting critical infrastructure and civilian populations.

Recent deployments have also provided valuable operational data, allowing Lockheed Martin to develop new tools for warfighters to counter novel ballistic missile threats. These experiences highlight the system’s ability to perform beyond its original design requirements and its interoperability within larger, multi-layered defence architectures.

Looking ahead, Lockheed Martin is investing in research and development to integrate THAAD more deeply into Joint All Domain Operations. The goal is to create a connected, layered missile defence network capable of countering advanced, manoeuvrable, and multi-vector threats of the future.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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