UPSC Prelims 2018·GS1·science-and-technology·defence

What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?

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Last updated 23 May 2026, 3:31 pm IST
  1. AAn Israeli radar system
  2. BIndia's indigenous anti-missile programme
  3. CAn American anti-missile systemCorrect
  4. DA defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

Explanation

THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. It is an advanced anti-ballistic missile defense system designed and developed by the United States. Its primary purpose is to intercept and destroy short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles within or outside the atmosphere during their terminal phase of flight (the final stage as they descend toward their target). THAAD uses a "hit-to-kill" technology, meaning it destroys incoming missiles through direct impact, rather than using an explosive warhead.
science-and-technology: What is "Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)", sometimes seen in the news?
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