The THAAD Missile, built by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space (LMMS), made a direct hit on a target missile June 10, 1999 over White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Defense Organization (BMDO) and a contractor team led by LMMS conducted the intercept test.

The highly sophisticated missile seeker, a component of the THAAD kill vehicle, provides the "eyes" for the Hit-to-Kill Interceptor. The staring infrared seeker assembly includes an indium-antimonide focal plane, dewar and cooler assembly, signal processing electronics, telescope, and two-axis gimbal assembly.

Fernando Faria, LMIRIS' director of THAAD and missile sensor programs said, "We are proud to be an integral part of the THAAD team and to have contributed to this successful intercept, it was spectacular!"

LMIRIS received a contract from LMMS in 1992 to design and develop the advanced missile seeker. First missile flight with the LMIRIS seeker was accomplished in 24 months. The company will complete delivery of 25 units by November 1999.

THAAD is the first weapon system being designed specifically to defend U.S. and allied soldiers, military assets and population centers from the threat of a theater ballistic missile attack, both inside and outside the atmosphere. To achieve the lethality required to defeat weapons of mass destruction, the THAAD system destroys the target through direct, "hit-to-kill" impact. This technology employs mass and velocity in lieu of explosive warheads.

LMIRIS is an operating company of the Lockheed Martin Electronics Sector, a leader in the design, development and manufacture of electronic systems for global defense, civil and commercial markets. A major producer of advanced missile seekers; LMIRIS produces state-of-the-art electro-optical space sensors, threat warning systems, linescanners and uncooled microbolometer-based sensors.