WASHINGTON, Oct 15 (The Real Republic) – The United States is deploying a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and approximately 100 soldiers to Israel to enhance the country’s air defense amid rising concerns of broader conflict in the Middle East.
The Pentagon announced the deployment on Sunday following a conversation between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they discussed Israel’s response to an Iranian missile attack on October 1, which involved nearly 200 missiles fired at Israel.
Despite possessing advanced air defense systems, Israel’s defenses have struggled against drone strikes from Iran-backed Hezbollah, resulting in numerous casualties in northern Israel. A recent Hezbollah airstrike on an Israeli army base killed at least four soldiers, highlighting the need for additional protection.
Biden promised no troops on the ground in Israel, yet here we are. The US sending one of its THAAD systems is a clear sign something big is about to go down.
— Elevator Charles 🛗 (@coopsimms) October 14, 2024
Israel’s gearing up for another major strike, and THAAD is there to handle the mess Iran will send in response. Iron… pic.twitter.com/9yLxIUMBTN
President Biden emphasized that the THAAD deployment aims to “defend Israel” from further air attacks, though specifics about the timeline for the system’s movement were not disclosed. Officials indicated it would take several days to transport the system and personnel from the continental U.S. to Israel.
Israel’s military has previously acknowledged that its multilayered air defenses, including the Iron Dome, can be overwhelmed by a high volume of simultaneous projectiles. The THAAD system is critical to the U.S. military’s layered air defense strategy and typically requires around 100 soldiers for operation.
This deployment marks a shift, as the system will be operated by American troops rather than the Israeli military, according to reports. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, THAAD is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range missiles at high altitudes.
Pentagon Press Secretary, Major General Pat Ryder stated this morning that U.S. Soldiers and Initial Components for the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) Battery have arrived in Israel, with additional Troops and Equipment to arrive in the Country over the coming days.… pic.twitter.com/lD2y8FvDcr
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 15, 2024
A THAAD battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers, each capable of holding eight interceptor missiles, along with a sophisticated radar system that can track targets up to 3,000 kilometers away and acquire them during their descent.
The U.S. Army currently maintains seven THAAD batteries deployed in various conflict zones as part of its defense strategy. The deployment of THAAD will add an additional layer of deterrence to Israel’s existing missile defense capabilities, according to military analysts.
The Pentagon previously deployed a THAAD system to southern Israel for exercises in 2019, marking the last known presence of the system in the region.
As Israel intensifies its military operations against Hezbollah, including airstrikes across Lebanon and ground operations at the border, the situation remains tense. The U.S. Army’s leadership has noted that this deployment adds to existing strains on its air defense forces and may delay the modernization of missile defense systems.
Army Secretary Christine Wormuth highlighted the significant operational pace within the air defense and artillery community, emphasizing the need for careful assessment of military readiness and the impact of ongoing deployments.
Wormuth pointed out that the deployment of THAAD raises ongoing discussions within the U.S. Department of Defense regarding the allocation of weapons to various global conflicts, including Ukraine and Israel, and the implications for U.S. military readiness.
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