US tests missile-defence system after North Korea missile launch

The United States (US) on 30 July 2017 tested the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system in Alaska by launching a ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean.

The missile-defence system test came after North Korea conducted an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) test.

A medium-range target ballistic missile (MRBM) was launched by US Air Force C-17 over the Pacific Ocean and the THAAD weapon system detected, tracked and intercepted the target. This was the 15th successful intercept out of the 15 tests carried out for the THAAD weapon system.

The THAAD interceptors are meant to help guard the US against a missile attack from a country such as North Korea. THAAD is a ground-based missile defence system designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

US has also deployed THAAD in South Korea to guard it against North Korea's shorter-range missiles.

About Terminal High Altitude Area Defence System (THAAD)

• THAAD missile defence system is designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles.

• It uses hit-to-kill technology where kinetic energy destroys the incoming warhead.

• It has a range of 200 km and can reach an altitude of 150 km.

• Its radar system detects the launch of missile and then command and control the launch of the missile.