Article Posted on : - Oct 05, 2011

A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during the system's first operational test at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii on Wednesday. A USMDA photo

Brahmand News Service

KAUAI, HAWAII: The US Missile Defense Agency and the US Army have conducted an operational test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ballistic missile defense system on Wednesday.

The test was conducted at 1:56 am EDT (0556 GMT) at the Pacific Missile Range Facility on Kauai, Hawaii.

During the test, the THAAD system engaged and simultaneously intercepted two short-range ballistic missiles, the Missile Defense Agency said.

Wednesday's test was the THAAD's first Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E).

The US Army Test and Evaluation Command and the BMDS Operational Test Agency will review data collected from the test to make an operational assessment of the THAAD system.

The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, will also independently evaluate the operational effectiveness of the system, the MDA said.

The THAAD anti-ballistic missile system has been designed for the US Army to shoot down short, medium and intermediate range ballistic missiles with the 'hit-to-kill' principle. The weapon is capable of intercepting the target in both endo- and exo-atmospheres.