US Deploys $3B THAAD Missile Defense to Israel for First Time Amid Iran Tensions

Oct 12, 2024, 05:47 PM

The United States is urgently deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system, worth $3 billion, to Israel for the first time, according to multiple reports from Israeli media including US Army Radio and Channel 12. Only one THAAD battery will be stationed, and it has reportedly already arrived in Israel. The deployment aims to bolster Israel's air defenses against potential Iranian ballistic missile attacks in anticipation of a possible Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran. The THAAD system, operated by U.S. soldiers, is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase using a 'hit-to-kill' approach. However, U.S. defense officials have stated that a decision to deploy the THAAD system in Israel has not yet been made, although it is being considered.