On October 13, 2024, the United States announced the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, alongside American troops to operate the system. This move aims to enhance Israel's air defense capabilities in response to recent missile attacks from Iran.
President Joe Biden stated that the deployment is intended "to defend Israel." Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder emphasized that the THAAD system will bolster Israel's integrated air defense network, following a series of missile strikes from Iran, including over 180 ballistic missiles launched on October 1, 2024.
Ryder noted that this deployment is part of broader adjustments made by the U.S. military to support Israel's defense and protect American personnel from Iranian attacks. He highlighted the ongoing military tensions in the region, particularly the conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which escalated on October 8, 2023.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi criticized the U.S. move, warning that it endangers American troops and asserting that Iran will respond decisively to any aggression. Araqchi reiterated Iran's right to defend itself, citing the ongoing Israeli actions against Gaza and Lebanon as serious threats to regional and international peace.
The THAAD system, designed by Lockheed Martin, is capable of intercepting short, medium, and intermediate-range missiles. Each THAAD battery typically consists of six launchers, 48 interceptors, a command vehicle, and radar, requiring approximately 96 personnel for operation.
This deployment marks the first complete THAAD battery stationed in Israel, although the U.S. previously deployed a battery for training purposes in 2019. The situation remains tense as Israel prepares for potential military responses to Iranian provocations.