NEWTOWN, Conn., Aug. 10, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In the wake of North Korea's recent threat to attack United States forces in the Pacific, Forecast International expects the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to play a pivotal role. This surface-to-air weapon system is currently deployed in South Korea.

The first of two Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors is launched during a successful intercept test. Source: U.S. Missile Defense Agency ~ https://www.dvidshub.net/image/1016475/missile-defense-agency-fto-01-flight-test. Note: The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

"THAAD is a key element of the U.S. Ballistic Missile Defense System," said Forecast International's senior missile systems analyst Larry Dickerson. "It's designed to shoot down short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles – exactly the kind of weapons North Korea has in its inventory."

According to its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, THAAD has a 100 percent mission success rate in 13 consecutive flight tests since 2005, including 11-for-11 successful intercepts. 

Following President Donald Trump's remarks that North Korea will be met with "fire and fury like the world has never seen" if the country continues threatening the United States, North Korea said it is "carefully examining" plans for a missile strike on the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam.

"In response to earlier North Korean threats, the Pentagon previously deployed a THAAD missile battery to Guam, along with a TPY-2 radar system," said Dickerson. "It seems that everywhere North Korea leader Kim Jong-un looks, a THAAD battery is staring back."

Forecast International is providing a free detailed report on the THAAD missile. Find it at www.forecastinternational.com.  We welcome media queries.

About Forecast International

Forecast International, Inc. is a leading provider of Market Intelligence and Consulting in the areas of aerospace, defense, power systems and military electronics. Based in Newtown, Conn., USA, the company specializes in long-range industry forecasts and market assessments used by strategic planners, marketing professionals, military organizations, and governments worldwide. Forecast International also maintains a high posture of situational awareness and geopolitical analysis.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c65d9f46-a061-4358-8885-24736b3095a0

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d840ea5e-d383-4cf2-9f93-e144e1db24cd

Ray Peterson
Forecast International
203 426-0800
ray.peterson@forecast1.com