With the arrival of the THAAD missile defense system in Israel, U.S. President Joe Biden sent an important message to Congress on Tuesday. He stated, “In recent months, we have adjusted the U.S. military posture to better protect American forces and increase support for Israel’s defense.” He explained that these adjustments include expanding the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group, along with destroyer escorts and an air wing equipped with fifth-generation F-35C Lightning II fighters, replacing the previously expanded USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier group.
Biden added that additional destroyers capable of defending against ballistic missiles, the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia, the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp, and Marine units, along with fourth and fifth-generation fighter squadrons, including the F-22, F-15E, F-16, and A-10 attack aircraft, have also been deployed.
The President emphasized that U.S. forces will remain stationed in the region to serve national interests, including protecting U.S. personnel and assets from attacks by Iran and its affiliated militias, and continuing to support Israel’s defense. He also confirmed the deployment of a ballistic missile defense system to Israel, with American personnel operating it for as long as necessary to defend against further missile threats.
Biden concluded by stating that this deployment aligns with his responsibility to protect American citizens and interests abroad, enhance U.S. national security, and advance foreign policy interests.
The U.S. Department of Defense revealed earlier on Tuesday that parts of the advanced THAAD missile defense system had begun arriving in Israel, and the system is expected to be fully operational soon.
THAAD, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, aims to intercept ballistic missiles either within or outside the atmosphere during their final approach. These missiles, which do not carry warheads, rely on high-speed impact to destroy their targets after being launched from truck-mounted platforms.
The deployment comes amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, following the Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier this month and ongoing threats between the two countries. Since last year, with the escalation of the war in Gaza and rising tensions across the Middle East, the U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the region, deploying warships and aircraft carriers to safeguard its military bases and protect its ally, Israel.
