Guam's THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system protects US forces from missile threats from East Asia

General Randy George, Chief of Staff of the United States Army, visited soldiers of Echo Battery, Task Force Talon, 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, stationed in Guam. There, the THAAD system is critical to the island's security.

Echo Battery plays a key role in Guam's strategic defense mission, including the use of THAAD air defense systems to protect the island and the broader US territories.

General George took advantage of the opportunity to speak with the military and observe with his own eyes the work of the THAAD systems, which are deployed to intercept potential threats. He noted the importance of these systems in protecting Guam from missile attacks, saying their successful integration into the US missile defense strategy is vital to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

The THAAD anti-aircraft missile system has a range of approx. up to 200 km to intercept ballistic missiles. It can engage targets at altitudes between 25 and 150 km, allowing it to intercept missiles both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere during their terminal phase. This high-altitude capability helps defend against short- and medium-range missiles, providing a critical level of protection in areas such as Guam and other key locations.

Strategically located in the Pacific Ocean, Guam has long been a critical outpost for US military operations. As part of the Guam Defense mission, THAAD air defense systems are tasked with intercepting and neutralizing high-altitude threats before they can reach their intended targets. These systems provide the island with a shield against potential missile strikes, strengthening the overall deterrence posture of US forces in the Indo-Pacific theater of operations.

This visit comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and heightened attention to strengthening missile defense systems in the face of global threats. , which are developing. General George's assessment of THAAD's capabilities underscores the Army's commitment to maintaining a strong defense presence in the region.

Echo Battery's deployment of THAAD air defense systems is seen as a cornerstone of U.S. defense policy in the Pacific, especially as adversaries continue to develop more sophisticated rocket technology.