What is the purpose of the THAAD missile defense system, and how does it operate?

The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a missile defense system developed by the United States to protect against short to intermediate-range ballistic missile threats. The system uses kinetic energy to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight. The THAAD system consists of several components, including the THAAD interceptor, launchers, a radar system, and a fire control system. The THAAD interceptor is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles at a hig....