What is the THAAD Missile Defense System Sent to Israel for ‘Defense’?

• U.S. deploys THAAD missile defense system to Israel amid Iranian missile threats

• Pentagon emphasizes commitment to protecting Israel and U.S. citizens in the region

• Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatens further strikes after October 1 missile attacks

• Israel activates missile defense systems, including Iron Dome and Arrow

• Recent Hezbollah drone attack results in casualties among Israeli soldiers

Following the Iranian ballistic missile attacks on Israel this month, the United States has announced the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel. The Pentagon stated that President Joe Biden has ordered the THAAD system, along with its personnel, to be sent to Israel for its defense.

On October 1, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard threatening further strikes if Israel retaliated. In response to these attacks, Israel activated all of its missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome designed for short-range rockets and the Arrow system, which is engineered to intercept ballistic missiles launched from the atmosphere.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that any Israeli counterattack would be “lethal and precise.” The Pentagon emphasized that the decision to send the THAAD system reflects the United States’ commitment to protecting both Israel and American citizens in the region from potential Iranian missile attacks. Notably, after the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 last year, the U.S. had previously sent the THAAD system to the Middle East for similar defensive measures. The THAAD system was also sent to Israel for training and defense exercises in 2019.

Iran claimed that its October 1 strike was a retaliation for the killings of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a senior Revolutionary Guard official in Beirut, and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

In recent weeks, there has been a dramatic increase in Israeli operations against Iranian-backed Hezbollah. Israel has been conducting airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut, while Hezbollah continues to launch rocket attacks on Israel.

On Sunday, a drone attack by Hezbollah on an Israeli military base resulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and injuries to over 60 others. According to an Israeli military statement, the attack targeted a training camp of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade located approximately 33 kilometers south of Haifa.

### What is the THAAD Missile System and How Does it Work?

The THAAD system is capable of intercepting short- and medium-range ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight. It has a range of 200 kilometers and operates effectively at altitudes up to 150 kilometers.

In the event of a missile launch by an adversary, THAAD’s radar system detects the incoming threat. The radar relays this information to the command and control system, which immediately issues a directive to launch an interceptor missile.

The interceptor missile is then fired toward the enemy’s ballistic missile during its terminal phase of flight. Each THAAD launcher truck is equipped with eight interceptor missiles.