Lockheed Martin modernizes THAAD missile defense system
The US Department of Defense has funded the modernization of the THAAD missile defense system to the new TH 6.0 standard.
Defense Archives reports on this, citing the US Department of Defense.
As part of signing contracts for 2025, the US Department of Defense has signed a new contract with Lockheed Martin worth $ 2.8 billion to continue developing an upgraded version of the THAAD missile defense system.
The new upgrade is intended to transition the missile system to the THAAD System Build 6.0 standard, allowing software updates, continued support for aging systems, and improved intercept capabilities.
According to Lt. Gen. Heath Collins, Director of the Missile Defense Agency, THAAD [TH] 6.0 will significantly increase capabilities over current configurations after implementing the modernized package.
In addition, the original plan for the new standard’s commissioning has been accelerated to 2027 instead of 2032.
It is expected to provide an initial capability to counter maneuvering threats and increase the area of target engagement. TH 6.0 includes improvements to the THAAD interceptor’s capabilities, enhanced integration with the Patriot PAC-3MSE, and cybersecurity and software protection improvements.
Currently, the US Army and Lockheed Martin are upgrading seven missile defense system batteries to TH 4.0, with one battery located in Guam upgraded in November 2023 and another to be upgraded by the end of 2025.
Much attention is being paid to integrating the system with the Patriot PAC-3MSE and the AN/TPY-2 THAAD radar, which is capable of providing targeting guidance for Patriot SAMs through better ballistic target detection capabilities, as well as being used for remote launch and missile correction during flight.
Along with implementing the TH 4.0 modernization package, the system will be upgraded to TH 5.0, which is due to begin in 2026, to address the system’s aging and keep it in good working order.
Militarnyi previously reported that the US defense giant Lockheed Martin transferred the 900th interceptor for the THAAD missile defense system to the US Army.
The system is equipped with a kinetic warhead, which is much more effective than the usual high-explosive warheads, as it allows to hit the missile directly with greater destructive force, causing damage that prevents it from continuing to fly.
