US wants to deploy THAAD missile defense systems around Guam in case of war with China

The Pentagon plans to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) launchers and radars on small islands around Guam.

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The United States does not want to keep all the missile systems in one place and intends to disperse them around an island in Micronesia. This is due to a possible military clash with the Chinese army in the Pacific.

The Defense Department assumes that China will strike several targets in the event of a conflict. These include Andersen Air Force Base (Andersen), Marine Corps Camp Blaz (Blaz) and the Mariana Islands.

The island of Guam, in fact, is itself a U.S. military base. It is less than 3,000 km from Shanghai. Andersen Air Base, in the event of hostilities, will be a vital point for launching, rearming and repairing strike aircraft.

The U.S. installed the first THAAD missile systems on the island of Guam in 2013 to counter ballistic missiles. However, Navy Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson says that the current number of systems is not enough to provide 100 percent protection for the island. Deployment of new systems will provide comprehensive protection of the territory.

Guam's new defense system should ideally include 360-degree radar and anti-missile protection against advanced ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, as well as drones and space weapons. THAAD will get new infrared seekers for the interceptor missile. Production will be handled by BAE Systems.

Source: Asia Times