What is THAAD anti-missile system that’s being deployed to Israel
THAAD seen during its first deployment to Israel in 2019. (US DoD Photo)
The United States is deploying its powerful THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) system to Israel, along with 100 U.S. troops, as tensions rise in the region.
The Pentagon announced the move following recent missile attacks on Israel and growing concerns over potential retaliatory strikes from Iran.
THAAD: A critical defense against missile threats
THAAD is one of the U.S. military’s most advanced missile defense systems, capable of intercepting short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
The system is known for its near-perfect success rate in testing, utilizing radar to detect and track incoming missiles at ranges of up to 200 kilometers.
According to the Pentagon, the THAAD battery will bolster Israel’s existing defense systems and add a crucial layer of protection against potential missile threats from Iran.
The system will work in conjunction with other missile defense platforms, including the U.S. Navy’s Aegis system and the Patriot missile defense system.
THAAD deployment and capabilities
The THAAD battery being sent to Israel consists of six truck-mounted launchers, each equipped with eight interceptors, and a radar system known as AN/TPY-2. The radar system is essential for providing real-time targeting information, and can detect missile threats up to 3,000 kilometers away in forward-based mode.
THAAD interceptors use kinetic energy to destroy incoming missiles by direct collision, rather than using explosive warheads. This makes THAAD highly effective against ballistic missiles during their terminal phase.
Complementing Israel’s existing missile defense
Israel already has several missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow systems. THAAD will provide additional coverage and expected to further strengthen Israel’s multi-layered defense capabilities, which are designed to intercept projectiles ranging from short-range rockets to long-range ballistic missiles.
David’s Sling, developed in collaboration with the U.S., and the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, also offer significant protection against medium and long-range missile threats. Together with THAAD, these systems create a comprehensive shield against various missile types.
Global impact of THAAD deployments
This deployment marks the second time a THAAD battery has been sent to Israel, the first occurring during an exercise in 2019. The move is also being closely watched by other global powers, particularly China, which expressed strong opposition when a THAAD system was deployed to South Korea in 2017 due to concerns over its powerful radar capabilities.
The U.S. military has also deployed THAAD to Guam, aiming to protect its bases from potential threats from North Korea and China.
