In its latest move to support Israel, the United States will send the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, along with U.S. troops to operate it, the Pentagon confirmed on Sunday. However, the timeline for deployment remains unclear.
What is the THAAD System?
THAAD is a cutting-edge missile defense system designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Developed by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, the system can engage targets within a range of 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles). It utilizes advanced radar technology and interceptors that rely on kinetic energy, not explosives, to neutralize threats during the final stage of missile flight, both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
How Does THAAD Work?
Each THAAD battery typically consists of 95 personnel, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, one radar unit, and fire control and communication systems. Unlike traditional missiles, THAAD interceptors use kinetic force to destroy incoming missiles by direct impact. This system, however, is not designed to counter smaller threats like drones.
Deployment Costs and Global Presence
A single THAAD battery costs between $1 billion and $1.8 billion. The U.S. military has seven such batteries, stationed in places like South Korea and Guam. A THAAD unit was temporarily deployed in southern Israel in 2019 for joint training exercises but was returned to the U.S. afterward.
Why Now?
The decision to deploy THAAD to Israel comes in response to an October 1 Iranian missile strike on Israel. Iran’s use of nearly 200 missiles, potentially including the advanced Fattah hypersonic ballistic missile, raised concerns. The U.S. wants to test THAAD’s capability against this new threat and bolster Israel’s defenses. According to the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment to help protect Israel from further ballistic missile attacks.
Why Send U.S. Troops?
Due to the complexity of the THAAD system, a trained team of 94 U.S. personnel is needed for operation. Israeli forces lack the immediate training to manage the system, so American troops will operate it for the time being.
Will Israel Receive More THAAD Batteries?
It is unlikely that Israel will receive additional THAAD batteries. A single battery can cover a broad area, sufficient for a country the size of Israel. Manufacturing additional batteries would be a slow process due to the system’s complexity.
