 "A Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptor is launched during a successful intercept test, in this handout photo provided by the US Department of Defense, Missile Defense Agency in 2015. File Image/Reuters")
The United States has announced its plans to deploy its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to Israel.
The system, designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic missiles, will bolster Israel’s already formidable defence network, which includes the Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems.
What is the THAAD missile system?
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a sophisticated missile defence system designed by Lockheed Martin to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
THAAD is a crucial part of the US layered missile defence strategy, which aims to protect against missile attacks from various distances and altitudes. Unlike traditional missile defence systems that use warheads, THAAD employs kinetic energy to destroy missiles in their terminal phase of flight — the final moments when the missile is descending toward its target.
THAAD interceptors do not carry explosive warheads. Instead, they rely on a “hit-to-kill” approach, where the interceptor collides with the incoming missile, destroying it using the sheer kinetic force of impact.
This method makes THAAD an incredibly precise and effective defence system capable of neutralising missile threats both inside and outside of Earth’s atmosphere, a capability few other systems possess.
What comprises a THAAD missile system?
The THAAD system is composed of four main components: interceptors, launchers, radar, and a fire control unit. These components work together to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles before they reach their target.
Interceptor: The missile itself, designed to destroy an incoming threat by physically colliding with it. THAAD interceptors are designed to engage ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight, at high altitudes both inside the Earth’s atmosphere (endoatmospheric) and outside it (exoatmospheric).
Launcher: The mobile, truck-mounted launchers can carry up to eight interceptors. Each battery includes six launchers, meaning that a single THAAD unit can carry up to 48 interceptors. These launchers are designed for rapid reloading, with the capability to be rearmed in under 30 minutes during combat operations.
Radar (AN/TPY-2): THAAD uses the powerful AN/TPY-2 radar, developed by Raytheon, to detect and track incoming missile threats from distances of up to 3,000 kilometres. The radar identifies and tracks missile threats, passing real-time data to the fire control and launcher systems to ensure precise targeting.
Fire Control and Communications Unit: This component coordinates the entire operation, connecting the radar data to the launchers and managing the intercept process. It integrates seamlessly with other US missile defence systems, such as Patriot and Aegis, as well as forward-based sensors and command-and-control networks.
How is THAAD different from missile systems like Patriot?
THAAD’s primary mission is to intercept ballistic missiles during their final stage of flight, just before they re-enter or while they are inside the atmosphere. This terminal-phase interception capability allows THAAD to defend against short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missile threats with a range of up to 200 kilometres.
The system is effective against a wide array of missile types, giving it flexibility in combat situations where multiple threats may arise simultaneously.
The system can engage ballistic missiles at altitudes of up to 150 kilometers, significantly reducing the risk of damage on the ground even if the missile contains a warhead.
In contrast to other systems like the Patriot, which engages targets at lower altitudes, THAAD’s ability to intercept at higher altitudes provides a critical layer of defence, especially against missiles carrying weapons of mass destruction such as nuclear or chemical warheads.
THAAD is mobile, which means it can be deployed anywhere on short notice. This mobility allows it to adapt to emerging threats across the globe. Each THAAD battery is highly transportable and can be repositioned quickly to defend strategic locations or move to different theaters of conflict.
What does THAAD’s history tell us?
THAAD was developed in response to the ballistic missile threats identified during the Gulf War in the early 1990s, where the US military faced the challenge of defending against Scud missile attacks.
It was first proposed in 1987, but its operational capability was only achieved in the 2000s, with its first successful intercept test conducted in 2008.
Since then, the system has seen significant upgrades and has been deployed in several high-risk regions worldwide. The US operates seven THAAD batteries, stationed in locations such as South Korea and Guam, where the system helps to defend against potential North Korean missile strikes.
In January 2022, THAAD had its first operational interception when it destroyed a mid-range ballistic missile fired by Houthi rebels in the UAE, protecting Abu Dhabi from a serious attack.
The US Army’s Missile Defense Agency continues to upgrade the THAAD system, improving its ability to integrate with other missile defence platforms like the Patriot Missile Defense System. The latest upgrades, tested in 2022, have expanded THAAD’s battle space and increased its capability to engage a wider variety of missile threats.
What does the use of THAAD in Israel matter?
The US decision to deploy THAAD to Israel comes at a time when the region is experiencing increased missile threats from Iran and its proxy forces, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon.
In recent months, Israel has been targeted by over 180 missiles launched by Iran, many of which were intercepted by Israel’s existing defence systems. However, some missiles penetrated these defences, prompting calls for a more robust missile shield.
US President Joe Biden confirmed the deployment, stating that the move was intended “to defend Israel” amidst rising tensions with Iran.
While Israel has been effective in using its Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems to protect against short- and medium-range rockets, THAAD will provide a critical upper layer to defend against longer-range ballistic missiles, especially those potentially launched by Iran.
The US typically avoids stationing troops in Israel outside of joint exercises, making this deployment notable. A THAAD battery requires around 100 US personnel to operate, marking a significant military presence in the country.
The US previously deployed a THAAD battery to southern Israel in 2019 for military drills, marking the only other time the system was in the country.
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Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder explained that the deployment is part of “broader adjustments” to US military strategies in the region.
Iran has sharply criticised the US decision to deploy THAAD, warning that the presence of US forces in Israel puts American troops “at risk.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated, “We have no red lines in defending our people and interests,” raising concerns about further escalations in the region.
With inputs from agencies