Thaad cost. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), formerly Theater High Altitude Area Defense, is a United States Army system designed to shoot down short, medium, and intermediate ballistic missiles in their terminal phase using a hit-to-kill approach. The life-cycle cost estimatefor the THAAD systemis $14. That figure dwarfs the cost of Iran’s offensive, underlining the long-standing problem of asymmetric costs in missile defence warfare. missile defense battery. (Courtesy of the U. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress. 7 million apiece, according to recent budget estimates from the MDA, the extra funding will almost certainly be enough to fully replace last month’s THAAD launches. It is interoperable with Raytheon’s Patriot missile defense system, already fielded by Saudi Arabia. There are 4 THAAD batteries that will be sold to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Taiwan, this extended production will lower THAAD production cost s. The Pentagon has confirmed it is sending a high-altitude anti-missile system operated by US troops to Israel. 5 billion for developmentbetween 1991 and 2001, $5. 35 billion to $10. would cover the cost of deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system, a contradiction of President Trump’s remarks just days The US is sending a Thaad anti-missile system to Israel to boost its air defenses after Iran's missile attack. A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, weapon system Highlights What GAO Found Terminal High Altitude Area Defense or THAAD is an anti-ballistic missile system of the US army that can shoot down short, intermediate and medium-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. The THAAD system is a more expensive system than the Iron Dome system, with a reported cost of over $1 billion per battery. 8 Billion THAAD Development Contract Dallas, Texas, Feb. 96 and $3. 7 billion for production between 1998 and 2006, and $4. . The Ballistic Missile Defense Organization is developing the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system to counter theater ballistic missiles. There are 4 THAAD batteries that will be sold to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Taiwan, this extended production will lower THAAD production costs. The following is the October 17, 2024, Congressional Research Service In Focus report, The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System. In March 2012, Lockheed Martin completed the delivery of all hardware and components associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system’s first U. 215 billion. What is the cost of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system? The expense associated with THAAD batteries is substantial. Iran signals possible strikes on US AN/TPY-2 radar systems in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, threatening THAAD and Patriot missile defenses amid rising Trump-era tensions. This article will further elaborate on THAAD within the context of the . Renowned for its precision, THAAD employs a kinetic kill approach to destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range missiles during their terminal flight phase. Officials say the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (Thaad) battery will bolster The price of a THAAD battery amounts to a staggering $1. 30, 2019, test. 81 billion. 0 billion. Jul 28, 2025 路 Twenty-year lifecycle costs for a complete THAAD battery range from $2-3 billion, including operations, sustainment, and interceptor replenishment. The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed to hit-to-kill intercept both short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in terminal or descent phase. Feb 5, 2025 路 The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has awarded Lockheed Martin a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) development contract with a ceiling of $2. 9 billion in then-yeardollars. , Middle East, Times Now https://defencesecurityasia. 42 billion. We made 6 recommendations, including that the Missile Defense Agency regularly update flight test cost estimates with actual costs. China’s YKJ-1000 hypersonic glide missile—developed by Sichuan Lingkong Tianxing—claims Mach 7 speeds and costs just US$99,000 (RM463,000), dramatically undercutting U. 25 million per missile when procured for Republic of China Air Force use. The modification contract increases the contract from $8. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) has received a new contract valued at nearly $400 million to produce additional solid rocket boost motors and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems (LDACS Chinese commercial satellite imagery from the MizarVision satellite company has confirmed the deployment of a U. 8 billion. S-400 vs. 馃嚭馃嚫 Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a U. Jan 29, 2026 路 Each THAAD interceptor cost $12. State Department has approved the possible sale of a THAAD anti-missile defence system to Saudi Arabia at an estimated cost of $15 billion (11. defense and aerospace company. The US has assembled what analysts are calling its largest military deployment near Iran since the Iraq War. The armada consists of two carrier strike groups, over 50 fighter jets, Patriot and THAAD systems near Iran amid rising tensions and stalled nuclear talks. Reportedly, THAAD is capable of engaging targets at ranges of 150–200 kilometers (km). THAAD missile launch / Open source illustrative photo And now the most interesting nuance has come to the surface – the construction of infrastructure to place the batteries of the THAAD anti-missile defense complex in Saudi Arabia. 3 billion, and annual sustainment costs are $22 million. Washington wants to test if its advanced THAAD system is useful against Iran's new hypersonic ballistic missiles. ballistic missile defense (BMD). military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) The United States is sending an advanced anti-missile system to Israel, the Pentagon has announced, as President Joe Biden’s administration continues WASHINGTON, February 3, 2026 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of F-15 Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3. Its interceptor production is set to quadruple to 400 units annually, while current rates remain modest at fewer than 100 missiles, specifically 96 interceptors per year. THAAD: A Cost and Capability Comparison The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system developed by the United States represents one of the most advanced anti-ballistic missile systems in the world. 5 billion. This amount includes$4. The THAAD system presents a similar picture. com/en/china-ykj-1000-hypersonic-missile-us99000-sm6-thaad-cost-gap/ Hypersonic Shockwave Beneath the Pacific: China’s YJ-19 Missile Turns Yuan-Class Submarines into Mach 8 “Carrier Killers,” Threatening US Naval Supremacy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ned to shoot down SRBMs and MRBMs during their terminal phase of flight. Army Battery. It's possible that Tokyo may revisit the option to procure THAAD, but cost was one factor in the Aegis Ashore suspension too. MDA MDS NDAA SBX SM-3 THAAD WBS Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Model-2 Aegis Weapon System Ballistic Missile Defense Accountability Report Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communications Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation Department of Defense Flight Test Experiment Other The U. S Recent commercial satellite imagery has also revealed the presence of advanced U. 06 billion contract modification to ramp up production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors. South Korea said Sunday the U. 77 million in fiscal 2025, according to the Pentagon’s documents. The amount spent on this layered defense system is so high that it covers a considerable percentage of the U. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) is a transportable system that intercepts ballistic missiles during their final, or terminal, phase of flight. Lockheed Martin will continue to evolve THAAD capabilities as the US Department of Defense looks to develop a missile defense shield. Missile Defense Agency The US has positioned a THAAD missile battery in Israel to reinforce the Israeli Arrow system, and the two intercepted yesterday's barrage from Yemen. At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U. SM-6 and THAAD interceptors. Could this low-cost hypersonic weapon disrupt Indo-Pacific military balance and missile defence economics? L3Harris Technologies has been awarded a new contract valued at nearly $400 million to produce additional solid-fuel engines and gas-dynamic control systems for the Talon anti-missile system of the THAAD missile defense system. The move underscores ongoing military support while highlighting concerns over Israel's missile defense capabilities. A THAAD interceptor launches from a U. The United States Is Set to Buy More THAAD Interceptors. The cost and maintenance of the THAAD system and the Iron Dome system are significant factors to consider when evaluating their effectiveness. This involves the deployment of about 100 US troops, signaling deeper US involvement in the regional conflict. Given that the sticker price for the six THAAD batteries was greater than that for two Aegis Ashore sites back in the 2017 evaluations, it's unlikely that Tokyo will go this way. 9 million, compared to around $6. THAAD missiles have an operational range of 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles), and the system is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, a prominent U. According to an article in European Security and Defence, “While the export model of PATRIOT is estimated to cost nearly USD 1 billion, THAAD’s price tag for a single battery is estimated at approximately USD 2. ” Israel already has an advanced, multi-tiered air defence system, and the THAAD significantly bolsters it. Each THAAD battery consists of five major components: launchers, interceptors, a fire control Apr 3, 2025 路 Each THAAD interceptor costs roughly $3 million, which is significantly more expensive than short-range interceptors like those used in Israel’s Iron Dome ($50,000–$100,000 per missile), but cheaper than the SM-3 interceptors used in the Navy’s Aegis system (up to $15 million each). It is believed to cost somewhere between $1. Is It Enough? Analysis by Wes Rumbaugh Published July 16, 2025 Recent Department of Defense (DOD) budgets have seen lower Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor procurement numbers, triggering renewed concerns about missile defense interceptor inventories. complete integrated system acquisition. Amid the Trump administration’s conflicting signals on whether or not it will ask South Korea to pay more for a controversial American missile defense system, experts suggest restraint and Lockheed Martin Awarded $2. 8bn for development of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. missile defense systems in the region, including THAAD batteries reportedly deployed to protect American assets. Army expended over 150 anti-ballistic missile interceptors Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) long range air defence system to intercept Iranian ballistic missile attacks during 11 days of Iranian-Israeli hostilities from June 13-24, far exceeding prior estimates for the quantities of interceptors used. This compares favorably to fixed SM-3 installations when considering mobility advantages and reduced infrastructure requirements. 48 billion pounds), the Pentagon said on The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a cornerstone of U. Army use, with each PAC-3 MSE interjector costing approximately $3. An in-depth look at the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system — how it works, where it’s deployed, and its role in global missile defense. Army has been estimated to have consumed 15-20 of all munitions for its globally deployed arsenal of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) long range anti-missile systems, after deployment to support Israeli air defences during the country’s 11 days of hostilities with Iran. 7 billion for operationand support between 1993 and 2016. It is designed to provide broad area coverage against threats t In this comparison, we examine their estimated cost per shot, operational roles, and how each system fits into modern warfare in 2026. Dec 15, 2023 路 Currently, The THAAD system has an estimated cost of $23 billion, and moving forward, it will cost more. This underlines the importance of contextualizing cost — raw missile prices vs. The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is considered to be among the best in the world. A THAAD interceptor is launched from the Reagan Test Site on Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands during an Aug. Missile Defense Agency has awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth up to $2. The missile carries no warhead but relies on the kinetic energy of the impact. WASHINGTON, February 3, 2026 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of F-15 Sustainment and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3. The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has requested USD639. THAAD employs interceptor missiles, using "hit-to-kill" technology, to destroy threat missiles. L3Harris Technologies has received a $400-million contract to produce additional solid rocket booster motors and Liquid Divert and Attitude Control Systems for the US THAAD missile defense system. and allied air defense strategies. The U. S. Army Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system The missiles are being procured at a significantly lower cost for U. It incorporates an X-band radar, the AN/TPY-2, and a single-stage, hit-to-kill interceptor to defeat ballistic missiles inside or outside of the atmosphere. 6, 2025 – The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) today awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a follow-on development contract for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Weapon System. In response to your reguest, we are providing information on (1) the expected cost, schedule, and acquisition quantities of THAAD; (2) the relationship envisioned for the capabilities of THAAD, Patriot Advanced Capability-Three (PAC-3 Highlights GAO discussed the Department of Defense's (DOD) Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, focusing on: (1) its status and estimated cost; (2) other missile defense systems proposed by the military services; and (3) the potential effects of the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty on THAAD system development. 9million for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) programme in fiscal year (FY) 2025. From the report Brief History of the THAAD Program Each Thaad system - like this one seen in an archive photo - costs about $1bn (£766m) The Pentagon has confirmed it is sending a high-altitude anti-missile system operated by US troops to Israel A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test in this undated handout photo provided by the US Department of Defence. Background According to the Department of Defense (DOD), the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system (Figure 1) is a key element of U. Thesefigures update the cost that we provided to you last January. Each THAAD interceptor costs between $12 million and $15 million, meaning the operation likely cost US taxpayers between $810 million and $1. Jul 30, 2025 路 At an estimated cost of $12. Department of Defense has awarded Lockheed Martin a $2. As reported by Al Jazeera, the price for a single THAAD battery ranges between $1 billion and $1. THAAD covers the BMD middle Incomplete cost estimates limit Congress's insight into agency spending and annual budget requests. 25 billion. military budget. In March 2012, Lockheed Martin completed the delivery of all hardware and components associated with the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system ’s first U. yck1cf, rxzfo5, furdl, dyrni, utfld5, xzal, sh96u, vtdv, ychww, 8s8m,