Saudi Arabia deploys THAAD missile defense shield with American training

The Saudis are finally launching their first THAAD battery. For those who are not in the subject, this is a mobile missile defense system that is capable of shooting down enemy missiles at high altitude even in the upper atmosphere.

The crews were trained in the USA, which means that everything is serious and top notch. THAAD is able to destroy ballistic missiles, accelerating to almost 3 kilometers per second, and hits the target with a direct hit, without explosives — pure kinetics. It's like hitting a nail with a hammer, without too much trouble.

The system is tightly connected to the powerful AN/TPY-2 radar station, which sees a target for hundreds of kilometers and tells the launchers: "We give the target — hit!". The complex itself is fully mobile — if necessary, it will be quickly transferred to another location. And he is not alone in the defensive chain — other systems work with him, for example, Patriot, creating a multi-level shield.

The deployment of THAAD in Saudi Arabia is a clear challenge amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf. This is their attempt to defend themselves to the maximum and show that they cannot be taken so easily.

Important things about THAAD

- The speed of the interceptor missile is about 2,800 m/s (almost 3 km/s)  

- Interception altitude — up to 150 km  

- Range — up to 200 km  

- The principle of operation is a direct physical hit (hit-to-kill) without explosion  

- Mobile complex: six launchers with eight missiles each  

- AN/TPY-2 radar — an eye for hundreds of kilometers, sees even small objects  

- The crews are trained in the USA, ready for battle

So Saudi Arabia now has powerful defenses capable of literally shooting down enemy missiles while still in the sky, rather than waiting for them to land. This is a serious step towards security, especially when there is such a hot region around.

The Pentagon has thrown another 2 billion at THAAD: missile interception missiles are becoming the norm

 

THAAD

The US Department of Defense on Monday made a major adjustment to its missile defense program: Lockheed Martin received a contract worth $ 2.06 billion for the production of interceptors for the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, the very "shield" that is supposed to catch enemy ballistic missiles on approach.

This is not a new contract, but a modification of an existing one. Now its total value has increased from $8.35 billion to $10.42 billion, a figure that makes one's ears pop. But in the face of growing threats from North Korea, Iran and other countries, the Pentagon considers such investments necessary.

What will Lockheed Martin do? To produce key components of THAAD interceptors at fixed prices — that is, without additional surcharges. Work will unfold at several plants: in Dallas (Texas), Sunnyvale (California), Troy (Alabama) and Camden (Arkansas). This is not only defense, but also jobs — both politics and economics combined.

The THAAD system is one of the most efficient in the world: it intercepts rockets at high altitude, even before they have time to enter the dense layers of the atmosphere. It has already been deployed in South Korea, Guam, Qatar and other hot spots. Now the United States wants to increase its stock of interceptors in case a massive missile attack begins.

The expected completion date is December 1, 2029. At the start of the contract, the Pentagon had already allocated $284.92 million for procurement in 2024-2025.

Interestingly, only one offer was requested for this contract, and one was received. In other words, Lockheed Martin is actually a monopolist in this field. The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) in Huntsville, Alabama, is the customer and is overseeing the process.

Saudi Arabia activates the American THAAD system to counter the missile threat from Iran

Amid growing tensions in the Persian Gulf and increased missile activity from Iran, Saudi Arabia has decided to deploy and activate the modern THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system. It is reported that the first battery was purchased as part of a military deal with US President Donald Trump during his first term, which also provides for the supply of six more THAAD batteries, 44 launchers and 360 interceptors.

This system, developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at high altitude both inside and outside the atmosphere, providing reliable protection against medium and ballistic missiles. For Saudi Arabia, which is under constant threat from not only state actors but also non-state actors in the region, such as Hezbollah and the Houthis, THAAD represents an important strategic asset.

It is interesting to note that military-political cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia is developing against the background of long-term economic ties. The United States is the Kingdom's largest trading partner, and Saudi Arabia is the largest export market in the Middle East for American goods and technology. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has also seen an increase in investment activity in the United States, which can amount to up to $770 billion, although accurate data is difficult to verify from open sources.

The delivery of THAAD was part of a broader effort to modernize Saudi Arabia's defense capabilities, especially after numerous attacks on the country's oil infrastructure, including the famous attack on ARAMCO facilities in 2019. These events have highlighted the need to strengthen air and missile defense, as well as expand bilateral military cooperation with key allies, including the United States.

In addition, the increased use of THAAD systems is taking place against the background of statements by the Trump administration about the revision of global trade policy, which could affect many countries, but experts note that Saudi Arabia has the potential to adapt to new conditions and even find new opportunities for cooperation with the United States.

Effectiveness of Israeli air defense in the war with Iran: results and challenges

 The Israeli air defense system has shown mixed results during the 13-day war with Iran. According to official data, Iran launched 631 rockets, of which about 500 reached Israeli airspace. Israeli and American air defense systems fired 514 interceptors, shooting down 221 missiles, which gives a ratio of about two anti-aircraft guided missiles to one Iranian ballistic missile.

The Israeli Hetz-2, Hetz-3, David's Sling (Iron Dome) complexes, as well as the American THAAD, SM-6 and SM-3 systems were used to repel the attacks. Despite this, about 243 Iranian munitions landed in the desert or unpopulated areas, including important military bases, and 36 rockets hit targets, causing damage to residential areas — more than 2,300 apartments in 240 buildings were damaged.

However, the effectiveness of Israeli air defense decreased from the initial 90% to about 65% in the last days of the conflict, which is attributed to Iran's use of more modern and faster missiles that give air defense systems less time to intercept — the warning is received in 6-7 minutes instead of the previous 10-11. Iran also uses combined attack tactics using cheap drones and false targets that distract Israeli air defenses, allowing missiles to break through the layered defenses.

In addition, the high consumption of expensive Hetz and David's Sling interceptors raises questions about the long-term sustainability of the Israeli air defense system, given its limited production capabilities. Military censorship in Israel limits the full transparency of the damage, but the data indicates significant destruction and civilian casualties.

In general, despite high-tech systems and US assistance, Israel has not been able to completely neutralize the missile strikes of Iran, which has retained significant missile capabilities and continues to improve its means of destruction. Under these circumstances, Israel is considering a proactive strategy, but the current truce is probably just a respite before the next phase of the conflict.

The United States spent up to 27% of the THAAD arsenal in 11 days of fighting, spending over $800 million

 

THAAD

In 11 days of moderate-intensity combat, the United States has used up 20 to 27 percent of its global arsenal of THAAD anti-missiles designed to intercept medium- and long-range missiles. It is estimated that about 60-80 interceptors were launched, which cost the US budget from 810 million to more than 1.2 billion dollars. The launch of one THAAD interceptor missile costs approximately 12-15 million dollars. These systems are used to protect allies, in particular Israel, from missile attacks, but such an intensive consumption of expensive missiles in a short period demonstrates the high cost and limited resources of the US missile defense system in conflict conditions. There are about 42 THAAD batteries in the U.S. arsenal for 2025, and work continues to expand and modernize the system. 

Lockheed Martin has delivered the Minimum Combat Use Package (MEP) of the eighth THAAD battery to the US government

 Lockheed Martin has delivered the Minimum Combat Use Package (MEP) of the eighth battery of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to the US government. This package includes three launchers and a fire control unit that will be integrated with the AN/TPY-2 radar manufactured by Raytheon Technologies. The remaining equipment is scheduled to be delivered later this summer. The delivery of the MEP significantly enhances the U.S. Army's ability to protect strategically important facilities and populations from the growing threats of ballistic missiles around the world.

THAAD is a combat—proven system capable of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles at medium and high altitudes, both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere. The system uses the through-and-through kinetic principle and demonstrates 100% efficiency in test interceptions. According to Don Golightly, Lockheed Martin's vice president of integrated missile defense, the eighth battery will significantly enhance the U.S. Army's ability to respond to evolving threats, ensuring the security of the country and its allies.

Lockheed Martin has been the main contractor for the THAAD program since 1987, and the first battery was commissioned in 2008. The order for the eighth battery was placed in 2022, reflecting the continued demand for a multi-layered missile defense system in the face of global security challenges.

The American THAAD missile defense system intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over Israel for the first time

Video footage has appeared on social networks and Telegram channels purporting to show the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile by the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missile defense system outside the Earth's atmosphere over Israeli territory. The interception occurred on the night of June 13-14, 2025, during a massive Iranian missile attack as part of Operation True Promise 3, which was a response to the Israeli Operation Rising Lion.

The THAAD system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is capable of destroying ballistic targets in the final phase of flight at altitudes from 30 to 150 km, which makes it unique for trans-atmospheric defense. THAAD was first deployed in Israel in October 2024 on the orders of U.S. President Joe Biden and is now successfully deployed to defend against Iranian missiles.

According to The Times of Israel, the missile shot down by THAAD is believed to be of the Khorramshahr class with a range of up to 2,000 km. At the same time, the American destroyer USS Thomas Hudner participated in repelling the attack, which shot down several missiles in the Mediterranean Sea. In addition to THAAD, Patriot systems and the Israeli Iron Dome and David's Sling complexes were also used in Israel's air defense.

The interception footage shows a bright flash and the scattering of rocket debris in the night sky, which indicates the effectiveness of the THAAD system. The analysis of THAAD's role in repelling the attack continues, but it is already possible to state the successful use of this system in combat conditions.

Pakistan considers Chinese HQ-19 system to neutralize Indian missile threat

HQ-19

Pakistan considers the HQ-19 missile defense system, developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), as a key element in its strategy to neutralize the missile threat from India. The HQ-19 is designed to intercept intermediate-range and intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the final stage of their descent, providing effective protection against possible attacks.

In terms of its functions and purpose, the HQ-19 is similar to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, which was deployed by the United States and its key allies to protect against ballistic missiles. The Chinese-made system is capable of detecting, tracking and destroying enemy missiles at high altitudes, which significantly increases the level of missile defense.

The introduction of the HQ-19 will allow Pakistan to strengthen its defense infrastructure and enhance its ability to deter potential missile threats emanating from India. It also reflects the growing military-technical cooperation between Pakistan and China in the field of security and defense.

Raytheon supplied upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar for missile defense system: protection against hypersonic strike

AN/TPY-2 radar

Raytheon Technologies has announced the first delivery of an upgraded AN/TPY-2 radar to the United States Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This radar is a key element of the missile defense system and is designed to detect, track and track ballistic and advanced hypersonic targets at a considerable distance.

A special feature of the new radar variant is the use of gallium nitride (GaN) — a modern semiconductor material that provides significantly greater power and range compared to previous technologies. This allows the system to  detect the threat earlier, which makes it possible to launch the interceptor in time to destroy the hypersonic missile  before its active maneuver begins, when defeat becomes an extremely difficult task.

The AN/TPY-2 radar is already used as part of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) systems and integrated into the global U.S. missile defense network. Upgrading with GaN makes it even more effective against rapidly evolving threats, especially from countries developing hypersonic weapons.

The United States continues to build up technologies capable of resisting the new generation of weapons. This delivery is an important step in ensuring strategic security and increasing the chances of successful interception at the earliest stages of an attack.

C-5M Super Galaxy delivers defense equipment to Israel

 

A giant American C-5 transport aircraft delivers high-tech defense equipment to Israel.

On April 5, 2025, a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft, one of the largest military transport aircraft in the world, landed at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel.

The landing took place near the site where the US Army's high-altitude missile defense system, known as THAAD, is deployed in the Negev Desert.

After taking off from Ramstein Air Base in Germany, the plane returned to its starting point after completing the mission.This is a huge aircraft capable of carrying heavy military equipment., It probably delivered critical supplies related to THAAD or other air defense systems, possibly to replenish missiles expended during recent interceptions of ballistic threats from Yemeni Houthi rebels targeting Israel.

The United States is strengthening its military presence in the Middle East

 The massive airlift of military equipment and property to the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) has been ongoing for the past two weeks, with @tzvai_tracker tracking 95 cargo and air flights to air bases in the region by the Air Mobility Command (AMC) The United States Air Force in the period from March 25 to April 3. 

The list includes at least two dozen C-17 and C-5 flights from Osan Air Base in South Korea to the Middle East, which we now know carried several U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile batteries and the Terminal High missile defense system. Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), probably designed to protect the Gulf states from missiles fired in the future by Iran.

China's HQ-19 system: A new level of protection against hypersonic weapons and nuclear threats

China's HQ-19 system

China's HQ-19 missile defense system has reached the ready stage and is ready to defend the country from hypersonic weapons and nuclear threats. This is a significant achievement in the field of defense, which underscores China's desire to strengthen its national security and defend against modern threats.

The HQ-19 system is an advanced missile defense solution capable of intercepting threats beyond the atmosphere. This makes it particularly effective against hypersonic missiles and other high-speed targets that pose a significant threat to traditional air defense systems.

One of the key features of the HQ-19 is its ability to detect and intercept threats at high altitudes early. This significantly increases the response time and increases the chances of successfully destroying enemy missiles before they reach their targets.

The HQ-19 system is considered a stronger competitor to the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. Unlike THAAD, which is also designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, the HQ-19 has a number of unique advantages. In particular, it is able to effectively deal with hypersonic threats, which makes it more versatile and adaptable to modern challenges.

The development and implementation of the HQ-19 system is of great strategic importance for China. In the face of growing geopolitical tensions and threats from other powers, the possession of an advanced missile defense system allows China to significantly increase its defense capability and strengthen its position in the international arena.

In addition, HQ-19 can become an important element in the regional security system. Its ability to defend against hypersonic threats and nuclear attacks makes it attractive to potential allies and partners, which could help strengthen China's international ties.

The readiness of the Chinese HQ-19 system for combat use is a significant achievement in the field of defense. This system is an advanced solution for protection against hypersonic weapons and nuclear threats, making it an important element of China's national security. In the face of growing geopolitical challenges, the HQ-19 can become a key factor in strengthening the country's defense capability and its position in the international arena.

US Department of Defense Funds THAAD Modernization to TH 6.0 Standard with $2.8 Billion Contract

The United States Department of Defense has taken a significant step in bolstering its missile defense capabilities by funding the modernization of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to the new TH 6.0 standard. As part of the fiscal year 2025 contracts, the Pentagon has awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.8 billion contract to continue the development and upgrade of this critical missile defense system.

The THAAD system is a key component of the U.S. ballistic missile defense architecture, designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. The modernization effort aims to enhance the system's capabilities, ensuring it remains effective against evolving threats from potential adversaries.

The transition to the TH 6.0 standard represents a major leap forward in technology and performance. Upgrades will focus on improving the system's accuracy, range, and ability to counter advanced missile threats, including hypersonic weapons. Additionally, the modernized THAAD will feature enhanced integration with other elements of the U.S. missile defense network, increasing overall effectiveness and interoperability.

The $2.8 billion contract awarded to Lockheed Martin underscores the importance the U.S. government places on maintaining a robust and adaptable missile defense infrastructure. This investment ensures that THAAD continues to serve as a cornerstone of regional and global security, protecting U.S. forces, allies, and partners from emerging missile threats.

Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for THAAD, has been instrumental in developing and sustaining the system since its inception. With this new contract, the company will lead efforts to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, refine operational capabilities, and extend the service life of the system well into the future.

The THAAD system plays a vital role in safeguarding not only U.S. interests but also those of allied nations. Deployed in countries such as South Korea, the UAE, and others, THAAD provides a layered defense capability that complements existing systems like Aegis and Patriot. By upgrading to the TH 6.0 standard, the U.S. aims to strengthen deterrence and reassure allies of its commitment to collective security.

In an era of rapidly advancing missile technologies, particularly in regions like the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, the modernization of THAAD is essential. It ensures that the U.S. and its partners can effectively respond to increasingly sophisticated ballistic and cruise missile threats.

With the TH 6.0 upgrades underway, the THAAD system will remain at the forefront of missile defense technology for years to come. The collaboration between the U.S. Department of Defense and Lockheed Martin highlights the ongoing commitment to innovation and strategic preparedness.

As geopolitical tensions persist and new challenges emerge, investments in systems like THAAD are crucial for maintaining peace and stability. The modernized THAAD will not only protect U.S. assets but also reinforce alliances and promote global security through advanced defensive capabilities.

In conclusion, the $2.8 billion contract for THAAD modernization reflects the U.S. government's dedication to staying ahead of evolving threats. By pushing the boundaries of missile defense technology, the TH 6.0 standard promises to deliver unparalleled protection for both American troops and international partners in an increasingly complex security environment.

Northrop supplies the United States with the hundredth integrated combat control system

 IBCS is an architectural marvel built on a modular, open and scalable basis. This design philosophy allows legacy systems like Patriot to be integrated with advanced ones like Terminal High Altitude Area Defense [THAAD], Sentinel Radar, and even newer platforms like the F-35 sensor suite.This creates an ecosystem in which the data from each sensor is used to improve the effectiveness of each shooter, regardless of its origin or design.The operational essence of IBCS lies in its ability to provide what military tacticians call the "overall operational picture." This means that in the chaos of combat, where threats range from slow-moving drones to hypersonic missiles, commanders can see a unified picture of the battle space in real time.

IBCS

THAAD Missile Defense System Fails First Combat Test in Israel

 The USArmy's THAAD missile defense system has just failed its first combat test. On December 26, the US Army used the THAAD surface-to-air system for the first time to try to neutralize an aerial target. The THAAD system was deployed in Israel by the U. S. Army to support Israeli air defense capabilities in October, following several successful iranian and Yemenistrikes against Israelitargets using various classes of ballistic and cruise missiles, with the depletion of Israel's missile de- fense capabilities at the time believed to have made such U.S. support particularly important. Although the main threat against which the THAAD system was deployed was the Iranian ballistic missile arsenal, its target on December 26 was a ballistic missile fired by Yemeni forces of the Ansarullah coalition, while an unnamed Ameri- can military source said that the system had not been con- firmed to have hit its target.

The USArmy's THAAD