If Missiles Are Headed to Guam, Here Is What Could Stop Them<br />11, 2017<br />HONG KONG — North Korea’s threat to launch four intermediate-range ballistic missiles into the ocean near Guam could<br />mark the first combat test of the sophisticated missile defense systems of the United States and its Asian allies.<br />At those speeds, a missile trying to chase and hit it from behind would have no chance during this part of the flight, called the "boost phase." The Terminal High<br />Altitude Area Defense system, or Thaad, several of which are now stationed in South Korea, could use its radar to track the launches of the North Korean missiles.<br />At one point, the United States Air Force poured billions of dollars into a huge laser mounted on a Boeing 747<br />that was designed to destroy enemy ballistic missiles during the boost phase — and it worked.<br />But the trajectory of a Hwasong-12 aimed toward Guam could put the midcourse portion of its flight<br />too far past the Sea of Japan, where the country’s ships carrying SM-3s are usually stationed.<br />Both Japan and the United States have ships equipped with SM-3 missiles designed for ballistic missile defense.<br />North Korea’s Hwasong-12 missiles might fail, or the United States or its allies could destroy them on the launchpad.
