U.S. tests THAAD missile defence, shoots down 1st IRBM over Alaska

New York  : The United States on Tuesday announced the successful test of its Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system by shooting down an intermediate-range ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean, thus increasing tensions between the U.S. and North Korea.

 The THAAD system manages to detect, track and shoot down the IRBM target launched from the Pacific Spaceport Complex in Kodiak, Alaska, on Tuesday, the MDA said in a statement.

"This test further demonstrates the capabilities of the THAAD weapon system and its ability to intercept and destroy ballistic missile threats," The Hill quoted MDA Director Lt. Gen.



Sam Greaves, as saying.

"The THAAD continues to protect our citizens, deployed forces and allies from a real and growing threat."

For the first time, the THAAD missile defence test was conducted on an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM), which was prompted after North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 4.

Tuesday's successful test of U.S. anti-missile also keeps up THAAD's perfect testing record, with 14 of 14 tests ending successfully.

In the test, the IRBM was launched by a U.S. Air Force C-17 over the Pacific Ocean north of Hawaii, according to the MDA.