The United States is deploying troops to Israel along with an advanced anti-missile system to bolster the country’s air defenses against potential missile attacks by Iran. President Joe Biden emphasized the move is in defense of Israel, urging the country to carefully consider its response to avoid escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a crucial component of the U.S. military’s air defense systems, will be used to enhance Israel’s existing missile defense capabilities. With six truck-mounted launchers, each equipped with eight interceptors, the THAAD battery typically requires around 100 troops to operate effectively.
Iran’s Foreign Minister has expressed concern over the deployment, warning that it puts U.S. troops at risk. However, experts believe Iran is unlikely to engage in direct conflict with the United States, making the deployment an important factor in future strategic decisions.
The THAAD system has been deployed to Israel for drills in the past, with the latest known deployment in 2019. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the THAAD system is designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with advanced radar technology developed by Raytheon.