The THAAD defense system represents one of the most formidable anti-missile capabilities within the US military arsenal, designed to intercept ballistic missiles at distances ranging from 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles) and boasting an impressive success rate in testing scenarios.
Known as Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, THAAD employs a sophisticated array of radar technology and interceptors. It is unique among US missile defense systems in its ability to target and neutralize short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, whether they are within or outside the atmosphere during their terminal flight phase.
THAAD interceptors operate on a kinetic principle, meaning they eliminate incoming threats through direct collision rather than detonation near the target.
As reported by the Congressional Research Service, the US military maintains seven THAAD batteries, each equipped with six mobile launchers, each capable of carrying eight interceptors, along with a robust radar system and essential fire control and communication components.
A highly valued missile defense battery is being sent to Israel to enhance its capabilities in intercepting incoming missiles, particularly in light of Iran’s significant attacks on April 13 and October 1, as reported by the Pentagon. However, the effective operation of this system requires the presence of US personnel on the ground.
The Pentagon has announced that approximately 100 US Army troops will be deployed to Israel to manage the battery. A source in Tehran informed CNN that Iran has warned the US of potential retaliation against any further Israeli strikes.
The THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system is integrated into a comprehensive command and control and battle management framework, allowing it to coordinate with various US missile defense systems, including Aegis, which is typically deployed on US Navy vessels, and Patriot systems designed for shorter-range threats.
The deployment of THAAD underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to strengthening Israel’s defense, especially given that other missile defense systems are more widely available than THAAD.
While THAAD can be rapidly transported by US Air Force cargo planes such as the C-17 and C-5, the Pentagon has not specified when the system will become operational in Israel.
Why THAAD is so accurate?
The accuracy of THAAD is primarily attributed to its radar system, known as the Army Navy/Transportable Radar Surveillance radar, or AN/TPY-2. This radar can be deployed alongside the missile battery or can be stationed on US Navy vessels and other military installations. It has the capability to detect missiles through two operational modes. In its forward-based mode, it is designed to identify and track targets at distances of up to 3,000 kilometers (1,865 miles). In terminal mode, it is oriented upward to detect targets as they descend, as noted by the Missile Defense Project. Notably, Iran is situated approximately 1,700 kilometers (1,100 miles) from Israel.
According to CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton, a former US Air Force colonel, THAAD would not operate in isolation when defending Israel and could serve as an additional deterrent against potential attacks.
Leighton stated that once implemented, it will enhance the current Israeli air and missile defense systems. According to the Missile Threat Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, production models of the THAAD system have consistently succeeded in intercepting incoming threats during testing.
Israel’s anti-missile systems
Israel has established several anti-missile systems aimed at intercepting incoming threats.
David’s Sling, a collaborative effort between Israel’s RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems and the American defense firm Raytheon, employs Stunner and SkyCeptor kinetic interceptors capable of targeting objects up to 300 kilometers (186 miles) away, as reported by the Missile Threat Project.
Above David’s Sling are the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which have been developed in partnership with the United States.
The Arrow 2 system utilizes fragmentation warheads to neutralize incoming ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, targeting them as they descend toward their objectives in the upper atmosphere, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
In contrast, the Arrow 3 system employs hit-to-kill technology to intercept ballistic missiles in space, similar to the capabilities of THAAD.
At the lower end of the threat spectrum, the Iron Dome defense system addresses projectiles aimed at Israel, consisting of 10 batteries, each equipped with three to four maneuverable missile launchers.
This is not the first instance of the United States deploying a THAAD battery to Israel; one was sent in 2019 for a training exercise.
THAAD deployments have also drawn significant attention from U.S. adversaries, particularly China.
The installation of a THAAD battery in South Korea in 2017, in response to escalating ballistic missile threats from North Korea, faced strong resistance from Beijing. Analysts indicated that China was concerned the advanced radar system could be utilized for surveillance of activities deep within its territory.
Additionally, the United States has positioned THAAD in Guam to safeguard essential military installations on the Pacific island against potential ballistic missile threats from either North Korea or China.
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