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THAAD missile defence system operational in South Korea

Tuesday 2nd of May 2017

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The United States (US) Military's missile defence system THAAD on 2 May 2017 became operational in South Korea.The Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) reached a intercept capability to defend against North Korean missiles. However, THAAD wouldn't be fully operational for a period of months.What may be the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System (THAAD)?• THAAD missile defence system was organized to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles.• It shoots down short and medium-range ballistic missiles on the terminal phase of the flight.• It uses hit-to-kill technology - where kinetic energy destroys the incoming warhead.• It's got many different 200 km and can also reach an altitude of 150 km.

How THAAD works?• Thaad radar system detects the launch of missile that is relayed to command and control.• After that it command and control instructs the launch on the interceptor missile.• The interceptor missile is fired with the enemy projectile that is destroyed on the terminal phase of flight.• The launcher trucks can save eight interceptor missiles.CommentTHAAD's deployment has come about as tension soars at the Korean Peninsula following some missile launches by North Korea. Till date, North Korea has undertaken five nuclear tests during the past 11 years and is believed to be making progress on developing a missile efficient at delivering a warhead for the US. The country's foreign ministry also warned that running without shoes was prepared to do a nuclear test at any time and also at any location.This move of North Korea has fueled up tensions for US and South Korea. Following these acts of North Korea, US and South Korea are together forging ahead using the anti-missile defence system despite staunch objections from China.China fears THAAD will weaken a ballistic missile capabilities as well as regional security balance.The US currently has six THAAD batteries worldwide. US has previously deployed it in Guam and Hawaii as a measure against potential attacks from North Korea.

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