Summary

The estimated cost for the Theater High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapon system is $14.5 billion. The Pentagon plans to buy 1,422 THAAD missiles, 99 launchers, and 18 radars. The THAAD demonstration/validation contracts were awarded in 1992, and the program is scheduled to begin engineering and manufacturing development in 1996 and begin low-rate initial production in 1999. THAAD, the upper tier of a two-tier theater defense system, is intended to defend against medium- to long-range theater ballistic missiles. In developing countries, more than 30 types of theater ballistic missiles are either operational or in development. The number of countries with longer range theater missiles is expected to increase.

GAO found that: (1) the estimated cost for THADD could total $14.5 billion; (2) DOD plans to procure 1,422 THAAD missiles, 99 launchers, and 18 radars; (3) the THAAD program is scheduled to begin engineering and manufacturing development in 1996 and low-rate initial production in 1999; (4) THAAD is intended to defend against medium- to long-range theater ballistic missiles and will contribute to the national theater missile defense system; (5) the peak reentry velocity of enemy missiles is directly proportional to their maximum range and increases as their range increases; (6) there are more than 30 types of theater ballistic missiles in operation or under development in developing countries; and (7) the number of countries that possess long-range theater missiles is expected to increase.