Lockheed Martin has delivered the Minimum Engagement Package (MEP) for the eighth Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to the U.S. government. This package includes three launchers and a fire control unit, which will be integrated with Raytheon Technologies’ AN/TPY-2 radar system. The rest of the equipment is expected to be delivered later this summer. This delivery marks a key milestone that significantly boosts the U.S. Army’s capacity to protect critical assets both domestically and worldwide from ballistic missile threats.
Since 1987, Lockheed Martin has been the prime contractor for the THAAD system and has played a vital role in its ongoing development, production, and integration. The first U.S. THAAD battery, A-4, was delivered and activated in May 2008. In 2022, the Missile Defense Agency awarded a contract to produce the eighth battery. This additional THAAD battery will enhance the military’s flexibility and responsiveness to emerging global threats, safeguard critical infrastructure and population centers, and strengthen the overall U.S. missile defense network.
THAAD is a battle-tested, cutting-edge hit-to-kill missile defense system engineered to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles both inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere. With unmatched speed, accuracy, and a 100% flight test intercept success rate, THAAD offers an essential layer of defense against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. Its proven combat effectiveness and immediate readiness continue to attract interest worldwide.
