A THAAD launcher and Transportable Tactical Command Communications (T2C2) node at Rota International Airport, at Rota, CNMI. Credit: Sgt. 1st Class David T. Chapman/ US Army.

The US Army has announced that it has deployed the newly developed Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) remote launch capability, in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI).

The move was to demonstrate the capability of the THAAD system in defending the islands, located in the north-western Pacific Ocean.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

This comes after a THAAD launcher was moved from Guam to Rota, CNMI. E-3 Air Defense Battery, as well as the Joint Region Marianas, Pacific Air Forces, and several Air Force wings, supported the deployment.

Task Force Talon Officer in Charge Major Kyle Hermanson said: “The things that all had to come together to make this a successful mission exemplified the idea of joint operations.

“Joint Region Marianas, 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, Pacific Air Forces, E-3 THAAD, Guam National Guard Security Forces, all came together to make this one of the most successful air defence missions in the [area of responsibility].”

See Also:

THAAD is an air defence system that can intercept hostile incoming threats such as ballistic missiles.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

According to a US Army statement, the deployment marks the first use of the THAAD remote launch capability outside of testing.

E3 executive officer 1st lieutenant Peter Gonsalves said: “The exercise was to demonstrate a new capability we received January, the remote launch kit. We worked with the leadership of Guam and CNMI to find a suitable location on Rota, brought a launcher, and wanted to send a message that we can defend the entirety of CNMI.”

The movement of the THAAD launcher to Rota is temporary, the statement added.