President Biden has directed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery and accompanying U.S. military personnel to Israel.
This move comes in the wake of two unprecedented attacks by Iran against Israel, occurring on April 13 and October 1, 2024. The THAAD system, known for its ability to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, will significantly enhance Israel’s integrated air defence capabilities.
“This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defence of Israel, and to defend Americans in Israel, from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran,” stated a Department of Defence spokesperson.
The deployment is part of a series of adjustments made by the U.S. military in recent months to support Israel’s defence and protect American interests in the region from potential threats posed by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.
This is not the first time the U.S. has deployed THAAD systems to the Middle East. Following the October 7th attacks last year, a THAAD battery was sent to the region to safeguard American troops and interests. Additionally, in 2019, the U.S. deployed a THAAD battery to Israel for training purposes and to participate in an integrated air defence exercise.
