The THAAD defense system is one of the US military’s most powerful anti-missile weapons, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges of 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles) and with a near-perfect success rate in tests.

According to CNN, using a combination of advanced radar and interceptor systems, THAAD, short for Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, is the only US missile defense system that can engage and destroy short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles within or out of the atmosphere during the terminal phase of their flight.

THAAD interceptors are kinetic, meaning they deflect incoming targets by colliding with them instead of detonating near the incoming warhead.

The US military has 7 THAAD batteries, each consisting of 6 launchers – with 8 interceptors each – a powerful radar system and a fire control and communications element, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

It is recalled that the American Pentagon announced yesterday afternoon that the USA will deploy THAAD anti-ballistic missile system in Israel in order to strengthen Israeli air defenses after the Iranian attack.

The anti-missile system will be operated exclusively by American soldiers, according to information leaked from the Pentagon.

The Pentagon statement reads:

At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) array and associated US military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against it Israel on April 13th and again on October 1st.

The THAAD array will strengthen Israel’s integrated air defense system. This action underscores the ironclad commitment of the United States to the defense of Israel and to the defense of Americans in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran. It’s part of broader adjustments the U.S. military has made in recent months to bolster Israel’s defenses and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iran-aligned militias.

This is not the first time the United States has deployed a THAAD array in the region. The President ordered the military to deploy a THAAD array to the Middle East last year after the Oct. 7 attacks to defend American troops and interests in the region. The United States previously deployed a THAAD array to Israel in 2019 for training and a comprehensive air defense exercise.