Pentagon budget 2025: MDA seeks USD639.9 million for THAAD

A THAAD interceptor is launched from the Reagan Test Site, Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, during Flight Test THAAD-23, August 30, 2019 (The Pentagon's FY 2025 budget request includes USD247 million for 12 THAAD interceptors.)

The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) has requested USD639.9 million for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) programme in fiscal year (FY) 2025.

This funding would procure 12 THAAD interceptors for USD247 million, according to Pentagon budget documents published on 11 March.

A battery typically consists of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 Interceptors (eight per launcher), one army/navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Mode 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar, a Tactical Fire Control/Communications component, and Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTTs), MDA said.

The FY 2024 THAAD request, which had not been appropriated as publication, included USD267.9 million for research, development, test, and evaluation, as well as USD216.8 million to procure 11 THAAD interceptors (which was up from USD75 million to procure three interceptors in FY 2023).

The agency added that the requested funding would provide software upgrades to improve reliability, availability, and readiness, defence planning, and improved capability to engage short-, medium-, and limited intermediate-range ballistic missile threats.

It would also bankroll “flight and ground testing, test operations and infrastructure, war-games, and exercises to execute Integrated Master Test Plan requirements”, MDA said.

For more information on THAAD's development and fielding, please see the entry in Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence