In the latest round of military assistance, the United States will send Israel the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system. The Pentagon said on October 13 that the United States will also send troops to operate the system.
It is unclear when the deployment will take place. Here is why the US is deploying the THAAD system in Israel now.
A THAAD interceptor missile is launched in Kodiak, Alaska. Photo: Reuters
What is the THAAD system?
THAAD is an advanced missile defense system that uses a combination of radar and interceptors to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. The system's missiles have a range of 150 to 200 km and are manufactured by US aerospace and defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
According to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, the system can intercept missiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere during their final phase of flight, which begins when the warhead separates and reenters the Earth's atmosphere and ends when it explodes.
How does the THAAD system work?
According to an April report by the US Congressional Research Service, a THAAD system typically consists of 95 troops, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptor missiles (eight missiles per launcher), a radar system, and a fire control and communications unit.
The number of missiles launched and interceptors may vary.
THAADs do not carry explosive warheads, allowing them to reach high altitudes quickly. Instead of exploding upon impact with a ballistic missile, THAAD interceptors use the energy generated by its mass as it moves to propel the missile.
However, the system cannot counter smaller, simpler weapons like the drones used by Hamas and the Houthis, as the drones are small and do not approach from high altitudes.
Graphics: Al Jazeera
Price of a THAAD system?
According to Al Jazeera news agency sources, a THAAD system costs between 1 and 1.8 billion USD.
According to a report by the US Congressional Research Service, the US military has deployed seven THAAD systems, including in South Korea and Guam.
Does Israel have the THAAD system?
The US previously deployed a THAAD system to southern Israel in 2019 “for integrated air defense training and exercises”, the US Department of Defense said on October 13. However, Al Jazeera said the battery was returned to the US after the exercise.
The statement added that the US had deployed a THAAD system in the Middle East “to protect US troops and interests in the region” following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7 last year, without specifying which country it was deployed to.
Israel's air defense system currently uses three systems: Iron Dome intercepts short-range missiles from 4 to 70 km, David's Sling intercepts medium-range missiles from 40 to 300 km, and the Arrow system intercepts long-range missiles up to 2,400 km.
The THAAD and Iron Dome systems can work together to protect from greater altitudes and mitigate damage from greater distances.
Why is the US sending the THAAD system to Israel at this time?
Military analyst Elijah Magnier said Iran's attack on Israel on October 1 was an unprecedented attack with nearly 200 missiles deployed and launched at major Israeli cities and towns.
Magnier said Iran launched missiles “into three corridors or three locations, making it impossible for any interceptor to intercept all of them.” Moreover, this was the first time Iran had used the Fattah supersonic ballistic missile, according to the country’s media.
The Fattah, which will be unveiled in 2023, is a missile the US has never faced before. The US wants to “test” whether THAAD can intercept it, Magnier said.
On October 13, a statement said that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had authorized the deployment of the THAAD system to Israel to help enhance the country's air defense capabilities.
“This action underscores the ironclad commitment of the United States to defend Israel from any further ballistic missile attack from Iran,” the statement added.
Why did the US send soldiers?
According to Al Jazeera, the THAAD system is so complex that it requires 94 highly trained people to operate it, and these will be American soldiers.
Magnier explained that the US forces are accompanying the THAAD system because they are trained to operate the system and do not have time to train the Israeli military.
While it is still uncertain when THAAD will arrive in Israel, “once THAAD arrives, any time could be the right time for Israel to attack and Iran’s response would not be immediate,” Magnier said.
He added that these soldiers could return to the US if Iran attacks Israel.
Could Israel get more THAAD systems?
The answer is no. This is because THAAD is capable of covering a large area. One system is enough for Israel's size, especially considering the assumption that missiles can only hit Israel from Iran.
Additionally, THAAD is a limited US resource and further production will take time, likening the complex manufacturing process to that of a passenger jet.
Ngoc Anh (according to Al Jazeera)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/he-thong-chong-ten-lua-thaad-co-gia-hon-1-ty-usd-la-gi-va-tai-sao-my-gui-den-israel-post317100.html
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