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US to test THAAD missile defence system within days

Tensions with North Korea are high after a ballistic missile launch this week, as world leaders call for action on the regime.

A THAAD missile interceptor missile is tested. File pic
Image: A THAAD missile interceptor missile is tested. File pic
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The US is planning to carry out a test of a missile defence system against an intermediate-range ballistic missile amid heightened tensions with North Korea, according to reports.

The test, although planned months ago, comes after Pyongyang launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on 4 July that has increased concerns over the threat North Korea poses.

It is the first operational test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to defend against a simulated attack, US officials told Reuters news agency.

The interceptor will be fired from Alaska and will take place "in the coming days", the agency reported.

THAAD interceptors are positioned in Guam which are meant to help guard against a missile attacks, such as one from North Korea.

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The US Missile Defence Agency confirmed it aimed to carry out the test "in early July".

Chris Johnson, a spokesman for the agency, said the weapon system at the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska in Kodia would "detect, track and engage a target with a THAAD interceptor".

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It is a ground-based missile defence system that works against short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles at the terminal stage of flight.

Vice Admiral James Syring, a former director of the Missile Defense Agency, said in May the THAAD system has a 100% success rate in its 13 flight tests so far.

Pyongyang was heavily criticised after launching the missile.

Leaders at the G20 summit in Germany have called for a quick UN Security Council resolution to apply new sanctions on North Korea after the launch.

In a joint statement, the US, Japan and South Korea said the resolution aims to demonstrate "that there are serious consequences for its destabilising, provocative, and escalatory actions".