U.S. to test THAAD missile defence system

The United States plans to conduct a test of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system within the next few days in the wake of tensions escalated by Pyongyang .

The THAAD is based at the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska.

North Korea's launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 4 has prompted the United States to test the THAAD system based at the Pacific Spaceport Complex Alaska in Kodiak, Alaska.

The THAAD is designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate ballistic missiles with shorter ranges than the ICBM that North Korea launched.The test will involve the THAAD seeking to detect, track and engage a target with an interceptor missile.

"Each THAAD system is comprised of five major components: interceptors, launchers, a radar, a fire control unit and support equipment, according to Lockheed Martin, the security and aerospace company that serves as the prime contractor for the equipment.

The radar first detects an incoming missile, those manning the system identify the threat then a launcher mounted to a truck fires a projectile, which Lockheed Martin calls an "interceptor," at the ballistic missile in the hopes of destroying it using kinetic energy, the CNN has reported.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley on Wednesday called North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile launch test a "clear and sharp military escalation" and said American military action remained on the table.

The exact date of the planned test is not being disclosed until it has taken place.

Meanwhile,Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Moscow on July 4 and issued a joint statement calling for a common peace plan for the Korean peninsula, and condemning .militarization in the region.

Both Russia and China have opposed deployment of THAAD in South Korea.