[jandrewrogers]

THAAD was a prototype in the same sense that the F-22 was a prototype. They proved a particular type of very advanced capability that took decades to develop but were expected to be replaced on a relatively short timeframe with a less prototype-y implementation once the engineering theory was worked out.

Not entirely sure what the THAAD successor is though. F-22 successor is already flying, albeit not publicly.

[jmyeet]

Have you any source for this? Because all I've seen is that the Army is expanding and upgrading THAAD (eg BGIs to NGIs) and seeking to replace munition stockpiles, which like all anti-missile munitions, are seemingly running critically low in supply eg [1][2][3].

[1]: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-05-21-New-Lockheed-Mart...

[2]: https://www.l3harris.com/all-capabilities/next-generation-in...

[3]: https://www.csis.org/analysis/rebuilding-us-missile-inventor...