US successfully tests THAAD missile system amid North Korean tensions

[SirLinksALot]

SOURCE: FOX NEWS

URL: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/07/11/us-successfully-tests-thaad-missile-system-amid-north-korean-tensions.html


The U.S. on Tuesday test-fired its THAAD anti-ballistic missile system from Alaska that successfully intercepted a target missile launched from an Air Force Cargo plane north of Hawaii.

The drill was previously scheduled in June and comes a week after North Korea successfully test-launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of hitting Alaska.

THAAD is used to intercept short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. It does not target intercontinental ballistic missiles. The U.S. has a perfect record on launches, hitting 14 out of 14 targets.

"I couldn't be more proud of the government and contractor team who executed this flight test today," said Missile Defense Agency Director Lt. Gen. Sam Greaves. "This test further demonstrates the capabilities of the THAAD weapon system and its ability to intercept and destroy ballistic missile threats. THAAD continues to protect our citizens, deployed forces and allies from a real and growing threat."

Fox News was told it will be a few hours before imagery and video are released.

Soldiers from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade on Kodiak conducted launches using the same procedures they would use in an actual combat scenario, the statement read. Soldiers operating the equipment were not aware of the actual target launch time.

(Excerpt) Read more at above link ...

[driftdiver]

North Korea has 10,000 to 12,000 artillery pieces and 2,300 MLRS pieces over 107mm.   The majority of tube artillery are 122-, 130-, 152- and 170-millimeter units, and on the rocket side the majority are 240-millimeter units.  (per google search)

Some experts estimate they could fire 500,000 rounds in the first hour.   The tube artillery would need rocket assist to hit Seoul proper but the outskirts are certainly within range.    Those same experts predict a high dud rate for the artillery so perhaps a lower amount would actually do damage.  On top of that they have significant stores of chemical and bio weapons which can be delivered with the artillery.

The THAAD is designed to be used against missiles and not the above artillery.    SK and the US have significant forces in place to take out the artillery but that would take time.