Table 4 THAAD launcher Practice Test

THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense. “Terminal” means the interception happens during the final phase of the incoming missile’s flight. “High Altitude” indicates the high altitude at which the interception occurs. “Area Defense” means protection over a geographic region, not just a single point. Together, these elements describe a mobile system designed to shoot down ballistic missiles as they approach the target within a theater-wide area. The other phrasings don’t match the official name: they either use different terms like “Air” or “Territorial,” or add “System,” which aren’t part of the acronym.