EL PASO, Texas -- A brand new, high-tech unit will be activated today as one of only two such units in the entire U.S army, and now both will be housed at Ft. Bliss.

The Terminal High Altitude Defense System, or THAAD, is aimed at destroying weapons of mass destruction. "It can engage both inside and outside the atmosphere. It's a hit-to-kill technology, so it's similar to a bullet hitting a bullet,” said Capt. Brendan McShea, A/2 battery commander.

The unit is so high-tech that important data is not only downloaded to the THAAD missile before each launch, but it's also updated while in flight. “THAAD greatly extends the reach of where we can engage enemy missiles," McShea added.

The U.S. Army's first THAAD unit activated last year, and Friday morning it will activate the second of its kind, also at Fort Bliss. "Fielding these batteries here shows that Fort Bliss is still a focal point for air defense."

Currently the second unit has approximately 70 soldiers who will soon be moving into Army standard training as they focus on THAAD and train on the weapon system, which is made up of four parts: a radar, interceptors, launchers and fire control. The radar is described as the eyes of the operation.

Soldiers who were selected for the new unit told KFOX they were eager to learn how to operate the system.

"I'm glad to be here when it's first starting out, I get to start with it as well, and I think it will do a lot of good,” said Fort Bliss soldier Pvt. Jacob Powell.

"I'm just happy to be back here in something new, actually learning a different part of the THAAD unit," said Staff Sgt. Fred Bringshimback.

The Army saw a need for activating the second THAAD unit and plans to add four additional units. A ceremony recognizing the unit’s activation will be held at the Air Defense Artillery museum at Fort Bliss 10:30 a.m. Friday.