BAE Systems seeker detects target, THAAD weapon system intercepts

KAUAI, Hawaii, 30 Jan. 2007.The terminal high-altitude area defense (THAAD) weapon system detected and intercepted an incoming ballistic missile target using a BAE Systems-built seeker during a Jan. 25 test firing at the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The test was conducted by the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

Lockheed Martin is THAAD prime contractor and systems integrator.

The test examined how the interceptor and its seeker detect an incoming target missile in order to destroy it. BAE Systems' seeker provides infrared imagery of the targeted warhead to the missile computer for use in guiding the interceptor to its target.

THAAD is designed to defend U.S. and allied soldiers, military assets, and population centers from the threat of ballistic missile attacks. To achieve the lethality required to defeat ballistic missiles, THAAD destroys them through direct "hit-to-kill" targeting.