Official announcements from the US Department of Defense or Israeli government

US Urgently Deploys THAAD to Israel for First Time Ahead of Anticipated Israeli Strike

Oct 12, 2024, 05:36 PM

The United States is urgently deploying a $3 billion Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system to Israel for the first time, according to reports from Israeli media. The deployment, which will involve American soldiers operating a single THAAD battery on Israeli soil, is part of preparations for a possible Iranian response to an anticipated Israeli strike. The THAAD system, comparable to Israel's "Arrow" system, is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, bolstering Israel's defenses against potential attacks from Iran. The move underscores heightened tensions in the region and signals expectations of a significant Israeli military action that may provoke Iranian retaliation.