U.S. Army activates Guam air and missile defense battalion, building on THAAD operations

The U.S. Army activated the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment at Andersen Air Force Base on Guam on October 16, 2026, establishing a permanent formation for the island’s evolving missile-defense architecture. The battalion replaces Task Force Talon, which had operated Terminal High Altitude Area Defense equipment since 2013 and disbanded in July. Assigned through the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade and 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, it will help integrate sensors, launchers, interceptors and command systems. The activation establishes an organizational role in the Guam Defense System rather than announcing delivery of a new interceptor battery.