The United States Department of Defense (Pentagon) announced on Sunday that it plans to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Israel to bolster the country’s air defense capabilities.
This move comes in the wake of increased threats, particularly from Iran, following several missile attacks on Israel.
In a statement released on its website, the Pentagon, acting on orders from President Joe Biden, confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had approved the deployment of a THAAD missile defense battery, along with a contingent of US military personnel, to Israel.
The deployment is aimed at strengthening Israel’s defenses following unprecedented Iranian missile strikes on April 13 and again on October 1, targeting the Israeli state.
The Pentagon stressed that the THAAD battery would significantly enhance Israel’s integrated air defense system, reinforcing its ability to intercept and neutralize potential ballistic missile threats.
The move also underscores the US’s unwavering commitment to defending both Israel and American citizens in the region from further Iranian missile attacks.
The deployment of THAAD is part of broader adjustments by the U.S. military in recent months to protect American interests and allies in the region, specifically from Iranian aggression and the actions of allied militias.
The THAAD system, designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, has been a critical component in these efforts.
This is not the first time the US has deployed a THAAD battery to the Middle East. In fact, President Biden had previously authorized the deployment of a THAAD system to the region last year following the October 7 attacks, which targeted U.S. forces and interests in the area.
Additionally, the US had previously stationed a THAAD battery in Israel back in 2019, primarily for training purposes and as part of joint exercises focused on enhancing Israel’s integrated air defense capabilities.
