Theatre Defense System

TDS are long-range surface-to-air missile systems designed to provide heavy air coverage in a specific area; also known as a theater of operations, this area is oftentimes as large and as densely populated as cities. A dedicated vehicle incorporating radar and communication technologies, TDS transport a diverse missile envelope capable of detecting incoming enemies such as fixed-wing aircraft (including stealthed units), and short, medium, and long-range missiles. Low-flying helicopters; however, will evade TDS detection. Despite their size, TDS are capable of strategic airlift.

MIM-14 Nike

S-125 Neva

Bloodhound

Features

TDS Unit progression

The US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD for short, is an anti-ballistic Theater Defense System designed in response to the Scud missile attacks experienced by the US in the Gulf War in ‘91. Most notably with this system, in order to minimize risk of explosion, missiles are not armed with warheads, instead relying upon kinetic energy to detonate both low and high altitude missile attacks.

The massive Russian S-400 Triumf incorporates four missile types in its performance envelope. Designed to address any type of threat, be that short-range (with the 9M96E) or very-long-range (with the 40N6), the S-400, known as the Growler, is deserving of its name and reputation, as a rapidly deployable, highly survivable, and lethal piece of gear.

And lastly, the highly automated EU’s SAMP/T is designed to counter current and future airborne threats. It fires a total of eight Aster 15 and Aster 30 Interceptors within ten seconds, each equipped with blast fragmentation warheads capable of destroying UAV’s, cruise missiles, short-range ballistic missiles, and yes, not to omit, fighter aircraft.