An advanced missile defense system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), has been deployed to Israel by the United States, accompanied by troops to operate the system, as announced by Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III on Monday.
This deployment follows an attack by Iran on October 1, during which approximately 180 ballistic missiles were launched at Israel. The Israeli government has indicated its intent to retaliate against Iran for this incident.
The missiles were successfully intercepted by Israel's air defenses, alongside those of the United States and other allies. The THAAD battery is a mobile defense system designed to provide an additional layer of protection against short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, safeguarding cities, military personnel, and critical installations.
Mr. Austin confirmed that the THAAD system is now operational in Israel, stating, “We have the ability to put it into operation very quickly,” during his remarks to reporters en route to Ukraine.
This marks the first deployment of U.S. troops, approximately 100, to Israel in this capacity since the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023. Their arrival coincides with Israel's military operations in Gaza and Lebanon against Iran-backed militia forces, as well as recent strikes against the Houthi militia in Yemen and Iran earlier this year.
However, this is not the first increase in U.S. military presence in the Middle East following the October 7 attacks. The U.S. had previously dispatched warships to the Persian Gulf and a THAAD battery along with Patriot missile defense systems to unspecified locations shortly after the onset of the conflict in Gaza.
Currently, there are more than 40,000 U.S. troops in the region, and the Pentagon announced in late September that an additional 2,000 to 3,000 troops were being deployed to enhance security measures.
The THAAD system, capable of operating above the atmosphere, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and can also neutralize debris from intercepted missiles before it reaches the ground, thereby preventing potential casualties and damage.