May 28, 2008 :: The Missile Defense Agency :: News
The United States Army today announced the first-ever activation of a fully operational missile defense unit for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptor system, or THAAD. The activation took place at a ceremony at Fort Bliss, Texas. The Missile Defense Agency transferred control of the interceptors to the army, and the unit, currently based in Fort Bliss will go into actual service. According to reports, Alpha Battery/4th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command will receive 24 THAAD interceptors, three THAAD launchers, a THAAD Fire Control and a THAAD radar as part of the initial fielding.
The THAAD interceptor system has recently enjoyed an exceptional test record, with eight successful launches four out of four successful intercept attempts. The permanent location for the first THAAD unit has yet to be determined, but several alternatives present themselves, including Guam or Israel to defend against North Korean or Iranian missiles, respectively. The unit may also remain at Fort Bliss, as a mobile unit capable of being deployed anywhere in the event of a crisis. (Article)
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