Testing of the THAAD system will begin at PMRF following four tests at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), NM, and will run through 2009. In November, Lockheed Martin returned to THAAD flight testing by conducting a successful THAAD developmental flight test at WSMR.

U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye, the Ranking Member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, said, "I am pleased that Lockheed Martin will soon begin using the Pacific Missile Range Facility to further refine the development of our nation's next generation of missile defense systems."

"I have always envisioned PMRF as one of the world's premier test ranges, and there is no doubt now that it has attained that status. The decision to test THAAD at Barking Sands further underscores PMRF's importance to our national security, and the advantages its unique location and geography offer for missile defense and other types of testing," Inouye added.

"PMRF is an ideal location to conduct further THAAD testing because its expanse allows the program to test the entire system over greater distances in a more realistic tactical environment," said Tom McGrath, Lockheed Martin program manager and vice president for THAAD. "Today, we have 15 employees at PMRF already supporting THAAD program build-up and we look forward to adding additional local, highly qualified personnel to our staff. We're excited to transition to PMRF and to demonstrate THAAD's capabilities to defend and protect the Warfighter."

"I am pleased that Lockheed Martin will soon begin the long awaited testing of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program at the Pacific Missile Range Facility," said U.S. Senator Daniel K. Akaka. "The inclusion of THAAD with the Navy's Aegis sea-based system has ensured that PMRF will remain a key player in our nation's defense. In addition, I am pleased that Lockheed Martin is looking to our local talent to recruit to work at PMRF."

"I am very encouraged that the Missile Defense Agency is expanding the testing of the THAAD weapons system at PMRF," said U.S. Congressman Ed Case. "MDA's decision not only recognizes the reality of our country's current and especially future defense requirements in the Pacific Rim, but also the indispensability of Hawaii's role, and especially that of PMRF, in development of our capabilities," Case said.

PMRF is the world's largest instrumented multi-environment range capable of supporting surface, subsurface, air, and space operations simultaneously. There are over 1,100 square miles of instrumented underwater range and over 42,000 square miles of controlled airspace.

THAAD is designed to defend U.S. troops, allied forces, population centers and critical infrastructure against short- to medium-range ballistic missiles. THAAD comprises a command and control/battle management system, missiles, launchers and radar.

The THAAD missile uses hit-to-kill technology to destroy targets, and is the only weapon system that engages threat ballistic missiles at both endo- and exo-atmospheric altitudes. A key element of the nation's Ballistic Missile Defense System, THAAD is a Missile Defense Agency program, with the program office located in Huntsville, AL.

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