Interceptor shield

Interceptor Shield Report
Nathan J Hunt
January 27, 2007

The Missile Defense Agency “MDA” has announced that today January 27, 2007 a successful test of the Terminal High Altitude Area defense System “THAAD” was conducted. The test took place at the Pacific Test range near Kauai. During the test the THAAD systems target identification and discrimination where tested. The THAAD locked onto and was able to take out a non-separating target similar to a SCUD type of missile and destroy it. The test took place at 12:20 A.M EST / 7:20 P.M Hawaii Time.

This test marks the first time the THAAD system has been tested in the Pacific and first time the system has been tested since it was moved from the testing range in the United States in October. The last test of the THAAD system took place in July of 06 at White sands missile range, during that test the THAAD system again successfully identified and engaged and destroyed a SCUD type missile.

For more information on the test the official Missile Defense Agency Press release can be read at this Link

Interceptor Shield Report
Nathan J Hunt
January 19, 2007

The peoples Republic of China on January 11, 2007 conducted a test of a ballistic anti satellite missile; the target was an ageing Chinese weather satellite and took place at 500 miles altitude above the earth. This test highlights china’s increasing interest in anti satellite technology.
Last year it was reported that china had conducted a test using a ground based laser that is designed to blind imaging satellites as they pass over. It was also stated at the time that the news became public that in the past few years the laser had been used on American satellites but no damage had been done to the satellites.

The Test of January 11, 2007 shows china has raised the bar on their anti-satellite capability and now not only do they have the ability to blind a satellite but to take one out all together. Today’s military of the United States relies heavily on satellites for imaging and communications as well for early warning missile launch detection. China’s new ability would most likely be brought to force against Taiwan that has one imaging satellite for use of monitoring the missiles on Mainland China, this new ability could also be used to ensure that America kept out of any potential conflict between China and Taiwan.

The Government continues to monitor the situation since the destruction of the satellite left fragments that could pose a possible risk to other satellites in the area.

The United States, Australia, England and Japan have announced concern over China’s anti Sattelite test.

Interceptor Shield Report
Nathan J Hunt
January 15, 2007

Source:Raytheon

As stated on the Raytheon companies web site the Pakistan government has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for the purchase of 500 ARAAM Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles and 200 AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles. If the deal goes through it will mark the largest single purchase of AMRAAMs to date. The ARAAM’S and AIM-9M missiles are to be deployed to Pakistan’s air force to upgrade their air defense ability and help secure their boarders.

Interceptor Shield Report
Nathan J Hunt
January 3, 2007

Lockheed Martin has Received a $619 Million dollar contract to start production of the THAAD “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense” system. The THAAD Defense system was successfully tested in July of 2006 last year in which the THAAD system successfully intercepted a target missile at the White sands missile range. The contract that Lockheed Martin has been awarded covers for the cost of production of two THAAD Fire systems, including 48 interceptors for the systems six launchers and two fire control and communications units. These systems are scheduled for fielding by fiscal year 2009.

Source:Lockheed Martin