The Great THAAD Showdown: A Comedy of Defence
So, it seems the United States has decided to flex its military muscles and deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Israel. Now, before we dive into this defense extravaganza, let’s all take a moment to appreciate the irony: a missile defense system designed to protect against missiles! It’s like buying an umbrella for a leaky roof.
Why THAAD? Why Now? The answer, my friends, is simple: Iran is in the business of launching missiles, and not just the kind you would find in a party popper. On October 1, they fired around 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, raising a few eyebrows and prompting the Pentagon to think, “It might be time to upgrade our friend’s fire extinguishers.” Cue the arrival of THAAD and about 100 American soldiers ready to babysit this advanced bit of tech.
“This is a much more advanced anti-missile system,” remarks British defense expert Hossein Aryan. “Its range is much greater!”
The Missile Defense Family: A Detailed Inventory
Israel has been busy building its own missile defense squad with systems like the “Iron Dome,” “David’s Sling,” and “Arrow.” It’s like the Avengers of missile defense! But let’s be honest, when your neighbor starts launching missiles, it’s a bit like adding a security camera because you heard they were getting a new dog – one that bites.
Missiles and Mayhem
After that impressive Iranian display, it’s no wonder the U.S. felt the need to step in. Though Israel downplayed the aftermath, satellite images revealed approximately 30 missiles hit the Negev Airbase. One could almost hear the collective gasp of the F-35 pilots, precious toys threatening to get a little makeover—though it seems some of those jets only received a light scratch. Phew, close call!
What Happens Next?
In case you thought tensions might simmer down, think again! Faced with pressure to retaliate, Israel is cooking up a response, while others slate the inevitable Iranian counter strike with the tactical genius of a chess player. Shahank Johsi from King’s College posits that Washington is deploying THAAD in anticipation of a significant Israeli counterstrike against Iran. Because let’s face it, when you poke a bear, it’s typically not the bear that gets hit! And the toll of the drone attack that saw four Israeli soldiers lose their lives? Just another Tuesday in this geopolitical soap opera.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is playing it cool, assuring everyone that any counterstrike from Israel will target military aims—not oil or nuclear sites. That’s like saying you’ll only borrow a friend’s car and promise not to drive it into a wall. Yet we’re still left wondering, how many more missiles will it take before the Middle East gets a breather?
Global Perspectives and Implications
What’s fascinating, or infuriating, is the mish-mash of politics playing out in various corners of the world. Take Ukraine, where the U.S. explicitly stated it won’t deploy THAAD for their protection. Because, apparently, they need different toys for their party! Sabrina Singh put it quite plainly: “US obligations to Israel and Ukraine are different.” Well, that’s one way to take the wind out of Ukraine’s sails.
Conclusion: A Comedy of Errors?
In the grand theatre of international relations, the latest act featuring America deploying THAAD to Israel is just one more scene in a never-ending multi-season military drama. Whether this is the resolution of a crisis or merely the set-up for part three of “You Poked the Bear Again” remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, folks: grab your popcorn, this show is just getting started!
Abubakar Siddiq
The United States has said it will deploy an advanced anti-missile defense system and send about 100 soldiers to maintain it in Israel, its key ally. On October 13, the Pentagon clarified that it is about the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. It is not yet known when the system and American soldiers will arrive in Israel. Why is the US taking such a step? And what will it do to Israel?
THAAD is one of the most modern and powerful anti-missile systems in the US arsenal.
This is a much more advanced anti-missile system
Currently, Israel uses several systems developed jointly with the US – “Iron Dome”, “Sends David” and “Arrow” – to intercept missiles, drones and projectiles at different heights and distances.
The THAAD system has an advanced radar that detects missiles from greater distances. Her interceptors also have a longer range.
“This is a much more advanced anti-missile system,” he said Hossein Aryana British defense expert. “Its range is much greater” compared to Israeli air defense systems.
The US Army’s Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) weapons system at Andersen Air Force Base, October 26, 2017
Why is the US sending THAAD to Israel?
The US made such a decision after Iran fired about 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1, and this attack, according to some experts, showed vulnerabilities in Israeli air defenses.
According to Aryan, the Iranian attack prompted Washington to strengthen Israel’s anti-missile defense system in case of “another potential attack from Tehran.”
Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel – Tehran’s largest ever direct attack on its sworn enemy – in response to Israel’s strikes and ground operation in Lebanon, as well as the elimination of the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.
Israel downplayed the damage caused by the Iranian attack. But satellite images showed that about 30 ballistic missiles hit the airbase Nevatim in and around southern Israel. On pictures visible damage to buildings and craters on the runway of the base.
Fighter jets are located at the Nevatim base F-35 American production. Experts they saythat Iranian missiles only lightly hit some fighter jets stationed at the base.
Meanwhile, alone the rocket fell not far from Mossad headquartersa key Israeli secret service, in Tel Aviv, creating a deep funnel.
Israeli military displays Iranian ballistic missiles and Hezbollah weapons at Julis military base
Israel has promised a tough response to Iran’s missile attack.
At the same time, as a result of a drone attack by Hezbollah (an armed group and political party that controls most of southern Lebanon), four Israeli soldiers were killed at a military base on October 13.
Shahank Johsia visiting fellow at King’s College London, said Washington is deploying the THAAD system “because it expects Israel’s response to the recent Iranian missile barrage to be a large and significant attack.”
This, he said, would in turn “probably trigger another Iranian strike.”
Joshi, who is also the defense editor of T magazinehe Economistsaid Israel has a range of options, from striking Iran’s weapons facilities to striking its leadership or nuclear facilities.
“Whatever option he chooses, Iran’s leadership will likely respond with force,” he said.
The plan for the Israeli response to Iran’s attack on October 1 is ready, it was reported CNN a source familiar with the matter did not provide additional information. CNN has reached out to the Israeli Defense Ministry for comment. According to the source, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, assured the US that a counterstrike on Iran would be limited to military targets, not oil or nuclear facilities.
- On October 16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the Victory Plan in the parliament, one of the points of which is the deployment of a comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package in Ukraine and obtaining permission to destroy military facilities on the territory of Russia.
- Former Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh statedthat the US does not plan to deploy THAAD to protect Ukraine. She emphasized that US obligations to Israel and Ukraine are different, and Ukraine needs other means to protect itself from Russian attacks.
- Singh emphasized that the United States continues to support both countries, taking into account their unique needs and situations.
