The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has requested $484.7 million for the development of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense program. The funding will allow development of the 8th THAAD battery to begin.
What is known
The 2024 request includes $267.9 million for research, development, testing and evaluation of the system. Another $216.8 million will be used to purchase 11 missile interceptors. As you can see, the United States is increasing its purchases of missiles.
In fiscal year 2023, $75 million was spent on the purchase of three interceptors. Over the next four years, the United States plans to acquire 159 missiles (31 + 32 + 48 + 48). At least, such data are indicated in the MDA five-year plan.
THAAD is an anti-missile kit designed for high-altitude interception of medium-range missiles outside the atmosphere. One battery usually consists of six launchers, 48 interceptors (8 for each launcher), one radar station and a command post.
The radar station can detect targets at a distance of 1000 km. The anti-missile can intercept threats at an altitude of up to 200 km. The maximum target speed is up to 4.8 km/s.
Source: Janes
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