The US successfully tested the THAAD system in Alaska.

(Baonghean.vn) - On July 11, the US announced that it had successfully tested the THAAD missile defense system to counter medium-range ballistic missiles in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii and Alaska, a "hot spot" amid escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

In a statement, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced that a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system deployed near Kodiak, Alaska, successfully intercepted a ballistic missile target from northern Hawaii. U.S. officials said the test would mark the first time the THAAD system has protected the nation against a simulated attack by an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM).

The statement said: “The successful THAAD test, aimed at countering intermediate-range ballistic missiles (IRBMs), has strengthened the country’s defense capabilities against the missile threats being developed by North Korea and other countries globally, and contributes to expanding the strategic deterrence architecture.”

Although the test was planned months in advance, the US missile defense system test plays a significant role following North Korea's test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 4th, raising concerns about the threat from Pyongyang.

Lan Ha

(According to Reuters)