How does THAAD achieve interception, and what type of kill mechanism is used?

• A. THAAD uses a ballistic warhead to detonate near the target.
• B. THAAD relies on electronic jamming to disable the target's guidance.
• C. THAAD uses a kinetic hit-to-kill interceptor that collides with the target; there is no explosive warhead in standard THAAD engagements.
• D. THAAD uses a chemical reactive warhead to engulf the target.

Answer: (C)

THAAD achieves interception through a kinetic hit-to-kill mechanism: the kill vehicle flies up to the inbound missile and physically collides with it at high speed. The destruction comes from the impact energy itself, not from an explosive warhead, so there is no explosive payload in standard THAAD engagements. This direct collision approach is chosen because it neutralizes the target by sheer momentum and precision rather than relying on detonation.