By Reeturaj - Oct 15, 2024
The Pentagon confirms deployment of THAAD system to Israel operated by 100 US troops post Iran's missile attack. US supports Israel's air defense with advanced system amid escalating tensions. Biden emphasizes it's to defend Israel, not attack Iran. Deployment valued at $1 billion; raises concerns about US involvement in regional conflict.
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The Pentagon has confirmed the deployment of the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, operated by approximately 100 US troops. This move aims to bolster Israel's air defences following Iran's missile attack earlier this month. The THAAD system is highly effective against ballistic missiles and is a significant addition to Israel's existing aerial defence network, developed in collaboration with the US. The deployment signals further US involvement in the expanding regional conflict and highlights Israel's growing need for US defense assistance.
Iran's October 1st strikes on Israel, involving over 180 ballistic missiles, killed one person and caused damage to various sites, including the Israeli Air Force's Nevatim base. The US supported Israel's defensive operation by firing interceptors from naval destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean.
President Joe Biden has emphasized that the deployment's purpose is "to defend Israel," while opposing any attack on Iranian nuclear facilities or infrastructure. The move has sparked attention due to its implications for US involvement in the regional conflict and potential clues about Israel's missile defense effectiveness.
The THAAD system, valued at $1 billion per battery, features six truck-mounted launchers with eight interceptors each. Its advanced radar technology, built by Raytheon, makes it a sought-after asset, with Ukraine and Saudi Arabia also seeking to acquire the system.
As tensions persist, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that the US troop deployment puts American lives "at risk." The Pentagon describes the move as part of "broader adjustments" to support Israel and defend US personnel from Iranian-backed attacks. The deployment marks a rare US military presence in Israel outside of drills, underscoring the gravity of the situation. With Israel yet to retaliate against Iran's strike, the region remains on high alert.