Lockheed Martin to upgrade THAAD missile defence system for $2.8 billion
The US Department of Defence has funded the upgrade of the THAAD missile defence system to the new TH 6.0 standard.
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According to Defence Archives, the US Department of Defence has awarded Lockheed Martin a $2.8 billion contract to develop an updated version of the THAAD missile defence system.
The TH 6.0 upgrade includes software upgrades, support for aging systems, and enhanced intercept capabilities. Lieutenant General Heath Collins, director of the Missile Defence Agency, said that this standard will significantly improve the capabilities of the system.
Commissioning of the updated version has been accelerated to 2027 instead of 2032. It is expected to be able to counter manoeuvre threats more effectively and increase the kill zone. The upgrade also includes integration with the Patriot PAC-3MSE, improved cybersecurity and software protection.
THAAD anti-missile system. Illustration: Wikipedia
The US Army and Lockheed Martin are currently upgrading seven THAAD batteries to the TH 4.0 standard. One battery in Guam was upgraded in November 2023, and another is scheduled to be upgraded by the end of 2025. The system will receive improved interoperability with the Patriot PAC-3MSE and the AN/TPY-2 THAAD radar, providing better ballistic target detection and in-flight missile correction capabilities.
Source: Defence Archives
