Breaking News: US Authorizes Deployment of THAAD Air Defense Missile in Israel to Counter Missile Threats from Iran.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder announced that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had authorized the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel at the direction of President Joe Biden. This move comes in response to recent escalations, including Iran's ballistic missile attacks on Israel in April and October of this year. Ryder emphasized that the deployment would strengthen Israel’s air defense capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.
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A U.S. Air Force Airman unloads an American THAAD air defense missile system from a C-17 Globemaster III at Nevatim Air Base, Israel, on March 1, 2019. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

This is not the United States' first deployment of THAAD in the region. President Biden directed a similar deployment last year, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, to protect American troops and interests. The U.S. also deployed a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 as part of a joint training and integrated air defense exercise. The new deployment adds to Israel’s already robust air defense systems, which include the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow 3 systems, designed to intercept threats ranging from short-range rockets to long-range missiles.

THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, is designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase—right before impact—providing a crucial layer of defense against missile threats. THAAD’s key strength lies in its ability to intercept threats at both high altitudes and long ranges, making it particularly effective against ballistic missiles. The system can engage targets at ranges of up to 200 kilometers and at altitudes exceeding 150 kilometers, far beyond the reach of most missile defense systems, allowing it to neutralize warheads before they reenter the atmosphere.

Iran possesses one of the largest and most diverse missile arsenals in the Middle East, comprising a wide range of short-, medium-, and long-range ballistic missiles. The country has developed several missile systems, such as the Shahab, Ghadr, and Sejjil series, capable of striking targets throughout the region, including Israel and U.S. military bases. Some of Iran’s missiles, like the Shahab-3, have a range of over 1,000 kilometers, while more advanced systems like the Sejjil-2 have ranges that extend beyond 2,000 kilometers, potentially reaching parts of Europe. These missiles can carry conventional or, in a worst-case scenario, nuclear warheads, though Iran insists its missile program is defensive.

In addition to ballistic missiles, Iran has also developed cruise missiles, which are more difficult to detect and intercept due to their low-altitude flight paths. Iran’s missile capabilities, combined with its ability to produce and modify these systems domestically, pose a significant strategic threat in the region, especially to adversaries like Israel and the United States. These missiles have been central to Iran’s military strategy, allowing it to project power and retaliate against potential threats without relying solely on conventional forces.

Against Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal, which includes a variety of long-range and medium-range systems, THAAD offers a significant defensive advantage. Its ability to intercept missiles at such high altitudes ensures that the debris or any remaining missile fragments fall harmlessly outside of populated areas. Paired with Israel’s existing air defense systems, THAAD adds another crucial layer of protection to Israel’s multi-tiered defense strategy.