US Sends $3 Billion THAAD System and Troops to Israel Amid Iran Tensions

Oct 13, 2024, 07:45 AM

The United States is deploying the $3 billion Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel, along with under 100 American troops to operate it, to bolster Israel's defenses against potential Iranian missile attacks. This marks the first time American soldiers will operate such air defense batteries inside Israel. The THAAD system, comparable to Israel’s “Arrow,” intercepts short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, intercepting missiles in space. The deployment aims to enhance Israel's existing air defense capabilities in anticipation of possible Iranian ballistic missile aggression. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment at the direction of President Joe Biden, with the Pentagon confirming the move. The move has been reported by multiple sources, including the Wall Street Journal and the Associated Press.