November 22, 2024
US to attempt first interception of intercontinental ballistic missile
A test firing of the THAAD missile defence system
THE US military is to test its missile defence system by intercepting an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) for the first time.
The test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) system follows the deployment of a US-built missile-defence shield in South Korea a few weeks ago.
Pentagon officials say the test is to simulate the capability for responding to a hypothetical North Korean ICBM.
While the THAAD system has been operational since 2008, it has only successfully intercepted shorter-range missiles to date.
The custom-made missile it will try to intercept will be fired from a test range on Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific.
The launch location is approximately halfway between Hawaii and the Philippines, several thousand miles southeast of Pyongyang.
North Korea’s ballistic missile tests have created tensions between Pyongyang and Washington, with Kim Jong Un featuring commonly in discussions between President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
Despite UN and unilateral sanctions, North Korea has continued with its missile tests. It has argued the sanctions are an infringement of its right to self-defence.
Its most recent test of a medium-range Scud missile was claimed as a success, although North Korea’s ability to launch a ballistic missile capable of hitting intercontinental targets has been disputed.
The state has stressed that it will continue to develop a pre-emptive strike capability.
THAAD has failed three of its most recent tests – all of which involved intercepting missiles of much more limited speed and range.
The ICBM being launched from the Pacific will be faster than the previous missiles THAAD has intercepted, and will be equipped with a warhead which would approximate the qualities of a nuclear warhead.
The THAAD interceptors carry no warheads themselves but rely on the kinetic energy of their impact to destroy the incoming missile.
Kinetic energy hits are intended to minimise the risk of detonating conventional warheads, including nuclear tipped ballistic missiles.
The deployment of the American THAAD system in South Korea has been criticised in the country, especially from locals who believe it could draw North Korean attention to their towns.
It has also been poorly received by China which believes that the system’s sophisticated radar could undermine its own nuclear deterrent.
Analysts have questioned whether THAAD’s security benefits outweigh the possible drawbacks if it causes relations with Beijing to worsen.
Mr Trump says he is not ruling out future military action against North Korea, while also expressing his openness to a meeting with Mr Kim.
“If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely, I would be honoured to do it,” Mr Trump has said. –news.sky.com
