The 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and Joint Region Marianas are deploying a THAAD Remote Launch Package to Rota’s International Airport: Otherwise known as Operation Talon Lightning.
According to both the 94TH A-A-M-D-C and JRM – to exercise emerging capabilities – the THAAD battery assigned to the defense of Guam is deploying a THAAD Remote Launch package, which consists of a THAAD launcher, Associated personnel, and equipment to Rota International Airport in the CNMI in early March.
Moreover – the C-17 Globemaster 3 aircraft from the 15th wing based out of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawai’i, will move the equipment from Anderson Airforce base to Rota.
According to Brigadier General Mark Holler, exercising THAAD’s remote launch capability would allow them to enhance the effectiveness of a combat-tested, upper-tier missile defense system vital to the army’s ability to ensure a free and open indo-pacific.
And According to Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson- testing THAAD’s remote launch ability bolsters the defense of the CNMI, which fortifies their layered defense in the region.
