US Deploys THAAD in Israel: An Anti-Missile Comedy of International Relations
Well folks, we’ve got some big news coming out of the Pentagon that’s sure to make you chuckle—if it wasn’t all so serious! US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has given the green light for the deployment of the impressive THAAD anti-missile system in Israel. Yes, you heard that right. It’s like sending in the cavalry but with a lot more tech and a lot less galloping!
According to the latest from the Pentagon, the THAAD—Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, which sounds like something you’d say during a particularly aggressive game of Scrabble—will enhance Israel’s air defense capabilities. And let’s be honest, calling what’s coming from every direction ‘rockets and missiles’ is like calling a 20-car pile-up just a ‘traffic jam.’
“The THAAD battery will strengthen Israel’s integrated air defense system. This action underscores the firm commitment of the United States to the defense of Israel and the protection of Americans in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” said Major General Pat Ryder, of the Pentagon. Sounds reassuring, doesn’t it? Like your mum saying she’s got your back after you just bad-mouthed the neighbor’s cat!
This isn’t the first time the US military has decided to play air defense Santa Claus in the region, though. President Joe Biden had previously deployed THAAD following the attacks on October 7—talk about a late Christmas present! And let’s not forget the warm-up deployment back in 2019. It’s almost as if they’re practicing their best moves for a military ballet. But with explosions instead of pirouettes.
For those less familiar with the fancy-schmancy military jargon, THAAD is designed to intercept those pesky short and medium-range ballistic missiles. Think of it as the ultimate game of dodgeball, where the only balls are rockets, and the stakes are a little higher than just being the last kid picked during recess. With an interceptor range of about 200 kilometers, the THAAD has more reach than a toddler looking for snacks in the pantry!
The system, typically operated by around 100 servicemen—because who doesn’t love a good military management challenge—consists of six launchers mounted on trucks. Each truck is like a Swiss Army knife of destruction, complete with eight interceptors ready to fly like six-year-olds during recess. Plus, they come with a snazzy radar to locate those incoming missiles like a hawk eyeing its prey. “What’s that? A missile? Not on my watch!”
In recent history, it’s evident that Israel has had its fill of trouble from Hamas and Hezbollah, with tensions flaring like a poorly managed barbecue. Just on September 30, Israel decided to light up southern Lebanon for a military operation against Hezbollah—resulting in some nasty return gifts from Iran. And just when you think it couldn’t get more exciting, Hezbollah responded with drones. It’s a thriller with more plot twists than a soap opera!
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin approved the deployment of the American THAAD anti-missile system battery and its crew in Israel. This was reported by the press service of the Pentagon.
As stated in messagesthe complex will be deployed to strengthen Israeli air defense. According to the Pentagon spokesman, the system will be managed by the American military.
“The THAAD battery will strengthen Israel’s integrated air defense system. This action underscores the firm commitment of the United States to the defense of Israel and the protection of Americans in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” the US Department of Defense emphasized.
This is not the first time the United States has deployed a THAAD battery in the region. In particular, US President Joe Biden ordered the military to deploy it in the Middle East last year, after the October 7 attacks. Even earlier, the US deployed a battery of this air defense system in Israel in 2019 for exercises.
THAAD is a mobile ground-based anti-missile system designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Its interceptor has a range of about 200 kilometers.
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense System, or THAAD, is an important part of the US military’s echeloned air defense systems and complements Israel’s already powerful anti-missile defenses.
About 100 servicemen are usually required to operate a battery of this air defense system. The complex consists of six launchers mounted on trucks. Each launcher has eight interceptors. The system also has a powerful radar, he notes Reuters.
We will remind, on September 30, Israel launched a military operation in the south of Lebanon against the terrorist organization “Hezbollah”. On October 1, Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel. On October 13, Hezbollah attacked Israel with drones, as a result of which dozens of people were injured.
To support us, become patrons of Public Radio
BECOME A PATRON
Join Public Radio on social networks
