The United States has deployed one of the most advanced missile defense systems, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), and 100 American troops to Israel. The move was made in response to Iran’s recent barrage of missile attacks on Israel, in retaliation for the assassinations of key Iranian and Hezbollah leaders.
What is THAAD?
THAAD is a state-of-the-art missile defense system designed to counter short-range, intermediate-range, and medium-range ballistic missile threats. It is the only U.S. system capable of intercepting targets both inside and outside the atmosphere. THAAD undergoes continuous improvements to increase its effectiveness against evolving threats.
Why THAAD?
President Joe Biden’s administration provided relief to Israel to protect it from ballistic missile attacks from Iran or its proxies. The THAAD deployment strengthens Israel’s defenses as it prepares to respond to Iran, especially after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
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Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned that any Israeli aggression, including a possible attack on Tehran’s nuclear facilities, would trigger a strong response. In light of these growing threats, Israel has asked the United States for arms and ammunition assistance, which it has sought in its war against Gaza last year, which killed nearly 45,000 people and displaced the entire population. .
A recent attack on Lebanon left nearly 2,500 people dead and 10,000 injured.
How does THAAD work?
THAAD is designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles during the “terminal phase” of their flight, the final stage before impact. The system is capable of targeting missiles both inside and outside the atmosphere (extraatmospheric and extraatmospheric). THAAD protects against short-range, medium-range, and medium-range ballistic missiles and is highly adaptable to different types of missile threats.
A unique feature of this system is that it does not carry an explosive warhead. Instead, it uses kinetic energy to destroy the target. That is, instead of detonating the warhead, it attacks the incoming missile with force.
Components of THAAD
THAAD consists of four main elements.
Interceptor: Destroys incoming missiles using impact force. Launch vehicle: A mobile truck that transports and launches the interceptor. Radar: Tracks and detects threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 km. Fire control system: Coordinates the firing and aiming of interceptors.
A standard THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers, each carrying up to eight interceptors along with radar and radio equipment. Reloading each launcher takes approximately 30 minutes and requires 95 U.S. soldiers to fully charge the battery.
US role in THAAD deployment
One important aspect of THAAD is that it is operated exclusively by U.S. personnel. Deployment to Israel would require U.S. forces to be stationed on Israeli territory. The U.S. Army currently has seven THAAD companies deployed to various conflict zones around the world as part of its defense strategy.
The decision to send THAAD to Israel, made just weeks before the US presidential election, marks the first major US military deployment to Israel since Israel began bombing Gaza.
