- Side
- United States
During Operation Epic Fury, the Pentagon listed THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems among the assets used by CENTCOM in the campaign against Iranian military targets.
Air Defense
THAAD
Also known as
- Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
- Theater High Altitude Area Defense
- THAAD interceptor
- THAAD missile
- Talon interceptor
THAAD is a Lockheed Martin-built, transportable U.S. terminal missile-defense system for short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Its batteries combine launchers, hit-to-kill interceptors, AN/TPY-2 radar, fire-control communications, and support equipment to extend layered defense in late mid-course and terminal engagements inside or outside the atmosphere.
Role in Conflicts
- Side
- United States
U.S.-operated THAAD batteries in Israel were used during the June 2025 missile-defense effort against Iranian ballistic-missile attacks; FPRI documented video-identified THAAD launches and TWZ cited reporting that more than 150 THAAD interceptors were fired.
Role detailsReuters reported that a U.S. THAAD battery in Israel was used to try to intercept a projectile from Yemen on December 27, 2024, and Israeli reporting tied the engagement to a Houthi ballistic missile launched toward Israel.
Role detailsInterceptor Design
THAAD's missile is built around kinetic hit-to-kill interception rather than blast fragmentation. Official and industry sources describe the interceptor as a no-warhead round guided toward ballistic targets during late mid-course or terminal flight, with BAE Systems identifying its infrared seeker as part of the guidance package that locks onto incoming missiles.
Kill mechanism
Direct collision by a non-explosive interceptor.
Guidance element
Infrared seeker tied into the THAAD guidance system.
Engagement phase
Late mid-course and terminal ballistic-missile engagement, inside or outside the atmosphere.
Calculator
THAAD Battery Loadout
Launchers1
Ready interceptors8
Average per launcher8.0
Loadout value$99,200,000
THAAD interceptor1 launchers100% 100%
FY2026 procurement documents estimate THAAD interceptors at about $12.4 million each. THAAD batteries commonly field six launchers with eight interceptors per launcher.
Profile / Specs
Profile
- Origin
- United States
- Built by
- Lockheed Martin
- Type
- Transportable terminal ballistic missile defense system
- Service note
- 1987-present
- Designed
- Concept work began in 1987; Army development began in 1992
- Unit cost
- FPRI cites FY2025 THAAD interceptor procurement cost at about US$12.7 million each; FY2027 Army budget unit-cost figures vary because the line also includes ground-component, sensor, obsolescence, and production-expansion funding.
- Produced
- 2008-present
- Number built
- 10 active batteries listed by Lockheed Martin in 2026 (7 U.S., 2 UAE, 1 Saudi Arabia)
Specifications
- Major components
- Interceptors, launchers, AN/TPY-2 radar, THAAD fire control and communications, and peculiar support equipment including Missile Round Pallet-Transportable equipment
- Force structure
- U.S. Army force structure set at 8 THAAD batteries with 6 launchers operated by 90 soldiers
- Launchers per battery
- 6 truck-mounted launchers
- Interceptors per launcher
- 8
- Ready interceptors per battery
- 48
- Interceptor
- Hit-to-kill interceptor with no warhead or explosive payload
- Engagement envelope
- Late mid-course and terminal ballistic-target engagement, including endo- and exo-atmospheric intercepts
- Radar
- AN/TPY-2 surveillance and targeting sensor for THAAD intercept missions
- Seeker
- BAE Systems infrared seeker used by THAAD guidance to lock onto incoming ballistic-missile targets
- Target set
- Short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, including high-altitude intercepts during descent or re-entry
- Mobility
- Truck-mounted and globally transportable
- FY2027 procurement request
- 27 base-request THAAD interceptors plus interceptor-obsolescence mitigation, ground-component modifications, AN/TPY-2 receiver/exciter redesign kits, secure servers, and 830 mandatory-funded THAAD missiles for expanded production
- Active batteries
- Lockheed Martin lists 10 active batteries in 2026: 7 U.S., 2 UAE, and 1 Saudi Arabia
Battery Architecture
Official budget material treats THAAD as a five-part weapon system: interceptors, launchers, AN/TPY-2 radar, fire-control communications, and support equipment. The U.S. force-structure baseline remains an eight-battery Army fleet, while Lockheed Martin's 2026 product page lists ten active batteries worldwide across U.S., UAE, and Saudi inventories.
| Element | Official detail | Design role |
|---|---|---|
| Launchers | Six per U.S. battery baseline | Truck-mounted launchers carry the ready interceptors and provide the mobile firing element. |
| Interceptors | Eight per launcher; 48 ready rounds per battery | Hit-to-kill missiles collide with ballistic targets rather than using a blast-fragmentation warhead. |
| Radar | AN/TPY-2 | Provides surveillance, targeting, and track data for THAAD intercept missions. |
| Fire control | THAAD fire control and communications | Coordinates engagement control and links the battery into the broader missile-defense network. |
| Support equipment | Includes Missile Round Pallet-Transportable equipment | Supports missile handling, sustainment, and reload activity around the firing battery. |
Variants
Public THAAD variant language usually describes fielded hardware/software configurations and battery packages rather than separate named missile models.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| THAAD Configuration 2 | Fielded hardware/software configuration | DOT&E reporting identifies Configuration 2 hardware with THAAD 2.8 and 2.8.1 software in fielded batteries and 2017 flight testing. Sources: FY2017 DOT&E THAAD Report |
| Minimum Engagement Package | Reduced initial battery package | Lockheed Martin's eighth-battery delivery notice said the Army would begin training on the battery's minimum engagement package after delivery. Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers Eighth U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery |
Integrated Missile Defense
THAAD is designed to work inside a wider missile-defense network rather than as a standalone shield.
| Compatible item | Item type | Compatibility evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Patriot battery | GAO's missile-defense review says THAAD can exchange tracking data with Patriot, which lets the two systems work together in layered defense. Sources: GAO-22-105075, MISSILE DEFENSE |
 | Aegis BMD | GAO's layered defense architecture places THAAD alongside Aegis ballistic missile defense as part of the same networked missile-defense picture. Sources: GAO-22-105075, MISSILE DEFENSE |
 | Ballistic-missile defense radar | U.S. Army budget material lists AN/TPY-2 radar as one of THAAD's five major weapon-system components, and Army training material describes it as the surveillance and targeting sensor for THAAD intercept missions. Sources: FY2027 Army Missile Procurement Justification Book, Fort Sill Trains THAAD Batteries |
 | Battle-management system | Lockheed Martin describes C2BMC as connecting THAAD with other missile-defense elements so sensors, shooters, and command nodes can share the integrated defense picture. Sources: C2BMC product page |
Timeline
THAAD Key Events
First U.S. battery activated
Lockheed Martin said the first U.S. THAAD battery was delivered and activated in May 2008, marking the system's entry into operational service.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers Eighth U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery
First successful intercept of a separating target
Lockheed Martin reported THAAD's first successful intercept of a separating target at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, a milestone in the system's development and test history.
Sources: Lockheed Martin's THAAD Weapon System Achieves First Successful Intercept of a Separating Target
Eighth U.S. battery contract
Lockheed Martin said it received a $74 million contract to produce the eighth THAAD battery for the U.S. government.
Sources: Lockheed Martin to Produce Eighth THAAD Battery for the US Government
U.S. battery deployed to Israel
The Pentagon said it deployed a THAAD battery and U.S. crew to Israel to reinforce Israeli air defenses after Iranian attacks.
Sources: Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Deployment of a THAAD Battery to Israel
Reported use against a projectile from Yemen
Reuters reported that a U.S. THAAD battery in Israel intercepted a projectile launched from Yemen, tying the system to the 2023 Red Sea Crisis air-defense campaign.
Sources: Reuters THAAD in Israel Used to Intercept Projectile From Yemen
Eighth U.S. battery delivered
Lockheed Martin said it delivered the eighth U.S. THAAD battery and said the Army would begin training on the battery's minimum engagement package.
Sources: Lockheed Martin Delivers Eighth U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Battery
Seven-year interceptor production award
Lockheed Martin said the U.S. government awarded a seven-year undefinitized contract action worth up to $35 billion to quadruple THAAD interceptor production.
Sources: $35 Billion THAAD Seven-Year Procurement Award Propels Acceleration of Critical Missile Defense Interceptor Production
Related Weapon Systems
Sources
AP US Helps Israel Shoot Down Iranian MissilesPublisher: Associated Press | Note: Supports 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict background context: AP reported U.S. air-defense assistance against Iranian ballistic-missile barrages and identified U.S. Patriot and THAAD systems in the region as ballistic-missile interceptors. | Accessed: 2026-07-06BAE Systems THAAD SeekerPublisher: BAE Systems | Note: Supports THAAD interceptor seeker and guidance context, including the infrared seeker role, ballistic-missile target set, and non-explosive hit-to-kill description. | Accessed: 2026-07-06FY2017 DOT&E THAAD ReportPublisher: Director, Operational Test and Evaluation | Note: Supports THAAD Configuration 2 hardware and software context, 2017 flight-test details, and the system's endo- and exo-atmospheric ballistic-missile defense role. | Accessed: 2026-07-06TWZ 150 THAAD Interceptors Fired During Iran Barrages on IsraelPublisher: The War Zone | Note: Supports 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict direct use: reports, citing Wall Street Journal reporting from U.S. officials, that U.S. THAAD operators fired more than 150 interceptors to defend Israel during Iranian ballistic-missile barrages. | Accessed: 2026-07-06Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)Publisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports United States THAAD manufacturer and background context, including Lockheed Martin's 2026 active-battery count and the system's active U.S., UAE, and Saudi battery distribution. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Lockheed Martin's THAAD Weapon System Achieves First Successful Intercept of a Separating TargetPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports THAAD development history: the system achieved a first successful intercept test on June 26, 2008. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Report to Congress on the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense SystemPublisher: USNI News | Note: Reprints Congressional Research Service background on THAAD battery composition, range class, components, and terminal ballistic-missile defense role. | Accessed: 2026-06-20Reuters THAAD in Israel Used to Intercept Projectile From YemenPublisher: Reuters | Note: Supports 2023 Red Sea Crisis direct conflict-use: THAAD in Israel was used to try to intercept a projectile from Yemen in December 2024. | Accessed: 2026-06-23Times of Israel THAAD Assists Houthi Missile InterceptionPublisher: The Times of Israel | Note: Supports 2023 Red Sea Crisis direct conflict-use: reports that the U.S. THAAD battery in Israel participated in the interception of a Houthi ballistic missile launched from Yemen on December 27, 2024. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Operation Epic Fury Fact Sheet: The First 10 DaysPublisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports 2020 United States-Iran Conflict direct use: THAAD anti-ballistic missile systems were listed among the assets used by CENTCOM in Operation Epic Fury. | Accessed: 2026-06-20THAAD Deployment [Image 4 of 4]Publisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports image provenance for a THAAD launcher emplaced in the CENTCOM area of responsibility to counter ballistic missile threats. | Accessed: 2026-06-20THAAD Launcher [Image 6 of 16]Publisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports image provenance for the THAAD launcher photo used as the entry's primary image. | Accessed: 2026-06-20THAAD Upload [Image 13 of 17]Publisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports image provenance for a THAAD loading photo in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-20THAAD Deployment [Image 3 of 4]Publisher: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service | Note: Supports image provenance for a second THAAD deployment photo in the gallery. | Accessed: 2026-06-20Lockheed Martin to Produce Eighth THAAD Battery for the US GovernmentPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports THAAD battery production cost: Lockheed said the eighth U.S. battery was awarded under a $74 million contract in April 2022. | Accessed: 2026-06-27Lockheed Martin Delivers Eighth U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense BatteryPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports design history, service context, and current production count: Lockheed says it has been the prime contractor since 1987 and delivered the eighth U.S. THAAD battery in June 2025. | Accessed: 2026-06-27Statement by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder on the Deployment of a THAAD Battery to IsraelPublisher: U.S. Department of Defense | Note: Supports deployment context: the Pentagon said a U.S. THAAD battery and crew were deployed to Israel in October 2024 to augment Israeli air defenses. | Accessed: 2026-06-27FPRI Shallow RampartsPublisher: Foreign Policy Research Institute | Note: Supports 2025 Israel-Iran Conflict direct use: FPRI documented THAAD interceptor launches in the June 2025 missile-defense effort and cited reporting that more than 150 THAAD interceptors were used. | Accessed: 2026-07-03GAO-22-105075, MISSILE DEFENSEPublisher: U.S. Government Accountability Office | Note: Supports THAAD layered-defense interoperability, including track-data exchange with Patriot and its place alongside Aegis ballistic missile defense. | Accessed: 2026-06-27FY2027 Army Missile Procurement Justification BookPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports current THAAD program details: FY2027 transition from Missile Defense Agency procurement to the Army, five major system components, late mid-course and terminal ballistic-target engagement role, 27-interceptor request, AN/TPY-2 modernization items, and FY2027 interceptor unit cost. | Accessed: 2026-07-04Fort Sill Trains THAAD BatteriesPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports THAAD battery-layout and design details: eight interceptors per launcher, up to six launchers per battery, no explosive warhead on the interceptor, AN/TPY-2 radar role, and major support vehicles. | Accessed: 2026-07-04MDA Procurement - Justification BookPublisher: Missile Defense Agency | Note: Supports FY2026 THAAD force-structure and battery-layout details: eight U.S. batteries, six launchers per battery, 90 soldiers, and interceptor procurement cost context. | Accessed: 2026-06-27$35 Billion THAAD Seven-Year Procurement Award Propels Acceleration of Critical Missile Defense Interceptor ProductionPublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports 2026 THAAD production history: the U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin a seven-year undefinitized contract action worth up to $35 billion to quadruple THAAD interceptor production. | Accessed: 2026-07-04C2BMC product pagePublisher: Lockheed Martin | Note: Supports THAAD being one of the missile-defense elements connected by C2BMC. | Accessed: 2026-06-28C2BMC system profilePublisher: Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance | Note: Supports THAAD as one of the missile-defense elements integrated by C2BMC. | Accessed: 2026-06-28