Number: 98-751 Title: MISSILE DEFENSE: THEATER HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENSE (THAAD) FLIGHT TESTING Authors: Steven A. Hildreth, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Abstract: The Army scratched the May 25, 1999 THAAD test because of a problem with the target missile. In its most recent test (March 29, 1999), the THAAD (Theater High Altitude Area Defense) program again failed to validate the concept of a high-speed, high-altitude hit-to-kill intercept. THAAD must now successfully intercept three of the next four tests by the end of 1999. Lockheed-Martin, the THAAD contractor, will be penalized for failing to achieve these results sooner rather than later in the year. The next test is scheduled for May, to be followed by another before the end of June 1999. Since its inception, the THAAD test program has experienced numerous delays, as Well as various technical and fight problems in unsuccessful attempts to intercept a ballistic missile over a controlled test range. Congress has appropriated about $3.8 billion for the THAAD effort since 1989. The Administration is requesting $4.4 billion for Fiscal Years 2000-2005. The total program acquisition cost is estimated at $14.7 billion. Despite long-standing congressional support, THAAD test results have escalated criticism of the program within Congress and by others. Further development of THAAD may be in jeopardy. Pages: 5 Date: Updated September 14, 1999