Russia to develop its own defense missile system similar to the U.S. THAAD air defense system 101214.

"A system is under development in Russia analogous to THAAD, allowing us to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles on a limited scale. It will begin trials soon," Pavel Sozinov said.

Russian Joint stock company "ALMAZ-ANTEY" Air Defense Concern Main System Design Bureau named by Academician A.A. Raspletin", one of the world's largest corporations of defense industry complex is specialized in development of anti-air, anti-missile and space defense systems.

Almaz-Antey has also launched the development of the new S-500 air defense missile system which is based on the existing S-400 Triumf, but reduced in dimensions and more power efficient.

The THAAD (theatre high-altitude area defence) missile system is an easily transportable defensive weapon system to protect against hostile incoming threats such as tactical and theatre ballistic missiles at ranges of 200 km and at altitudes up to 150 km.

The THAAD system is being designed, built, and integrated by Lockheed Martin Space Systems acting as prime contractor.

In October 2014, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency (MDA) recently awarded Lockheed Martin a $124.6 million fixed-price contract for the manufacture and delivery of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) ground components. The contract provides for the delivery of U.S. government THAAD launchers, support equipment, fire control and communication spares, and launcher spares.