The US has announced plans to send its advanced THAAD missile defense system, along with troops to operate it, to Israel, reinforcing its "ironclad commitment" to the nation's defense.
This decision comes amid growing international pressure on Israel over its attacks on UN forces in Lebanon.
What is THAAD?
The battery in Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), is intended to intercept and eliminate enemy missiles.
As per a press statement released by the US Department of Defense, THAAD will “help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1… This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran.”
How Will THAAD Help Israel?
According to a US Congressional Research Service study, a THAAD battery is made up of 95 soldiers, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors (eight per launcher), radar surveillance and radar, and a tactical fire component.
As per the report, THAAD offers a swiftly deployed capability to counteract ballistic missile threats within or outside the atmosphere, with a range of up to 1,000 km, and a limited range of 3,000–5,000 km, when they are in their final phase of flight.
Compared to the outdated Patriot Air and Missile Defense System, the THAAD can defend a wider region by using "hit-to-kill" technology to destroy enemy missiles. The Lockheed Martin Corporation developed it.
In addition to being highly costly to operate, THAAD needs to be operated by US soldiers with training. "While the export model of PATRIOT is estimated to cost nearly USD 1 billion, the price tag of THAAD for a single battery is approximately USD 2.5 billion," reads an article in European Security and Defense.
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