The US and the Republic of Korea test the operation of the THAAD remote launcher for the first time

The United States and the Republic of Korea conducted a remote launcher exercise for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. The test took place on 25 March 2023.

Here's What We Know

The test was part of a joint US-Korean exercise Freedom Shield. The aim was to improve the combat readiness of THAAD. Normalising the capabilities of the missile defence system ensures the readiness of US forces in the Republic of Korea.

The THAAD tests came after North Korea claimed it had tested an underwater nuclear drone and launched cruise missiles. The US military is pushing to integrate THAAD and Patriot into a single programme for expanded and more flexible security operations in the region.

In addition, South Korean Air Force F-35, F-15K, KF-16 and F-4E fighters along with US A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft participated in the Freedom Shield exercise. The F-35A aircraft used AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles along with GBU-31 smart bombs. A-10 attack aircraft launched AGM-65, GBU-31 and GBU-38.

Source: The Korea Times