If Missiles Are Headed to Guam, Here Is What Could Stop Them
11, 2017
HONG KONG — North Korea’s threat to launch four intermediate-range ballistic missiles into the ocean near Guam could
mark the first combat test of the sophisticated missile defense systems of the United States and its Asian allies.
At those speeds, a missile trying to chase and hit it from behind would have no chance during this part of the flight, called the "boost phase." The Terminal High
Altitude Area Defense system, or Thaad, several of which are now stationed in South Korea, could use its radar to track the launches of the North Korean missiles.
At one point, the United States Air Force poured billions of dollars into a huge laser mounted on a Boeing 747
that was designed to destroy enemy ballistic missiles during the boost phase — and it worked.
But the trajectory of a Hwasong-12 aimed toward Guam could put the midcourse portion of its flight
too far past the Sea of Japan, where the country’s ships carrying SM-3s are usually stationed.
Both Japan and the United States have ships equipped with SM-3 missiles designed for ballistic missile defense.
North Korea’s Hwasong-12 missiles might fail, or the United States or its allies could destroy them on the launchpad.