Source: aajtak
Supporting its loyal friend Israel, the United States is supplying the state-of-the-art THAAD defense system. This cutting-edge technology is a shield against missile attacks, as affirmed by Pentagon's Major General Pat Ryder. With THAAD's integration, Israel is strengthening its air defenses significantly.
(All photos: Reuters)
Source: aajtak
The THAAD system is set to join Israel's Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow air defenses. Let's delve into its capabilities and advantages. THAAD stands for Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, adept at neutralizing short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Source: aajtak
During the terminal phase, when an enemy ballistic missile is descending back through the atmosphere, THAAD intercepts with its lethal Hit-To-Kill approach, destroying the threat mid-air. Operational since 2008 across several nations, its exact unit count remains undisclosed.
Source: aajtak
With a single missile weighing 900 kilograms and measuring 20.3 feet in length by 15 inches in diameter, THAAD operates on a single-stage rocket system powered by a Pratt & Whitney solid-fuel rocket. Its range reaches 200 kilometers, ascending to altitudes of up to 150 kilometers.
Source: aajtak
The missile's remarkable speed enhances its lethality, speeding towards targets at 10,000 kilometers per hour. Equipped with an infrared seeker head, it tracks the heat signature of enemy missiles, homing in on them with precision.
Source: aajtak
Peering inside the missile reveals the Kill Vehicle, the weapon-laden segment, propelling towards targets by its booster and flare. Within the Kill Vehicle, you'll find the seeker, avionics, and directional control systems, all essential for its formidable targeting capabilities.
Source: aajtak
Israel has deployed new THAAD units at strategic locations to enhance its defense. Initially stationed at the Nevatim Air Base, they later relocated to a hidden site in the Negev Desert, ensuring their security.
Source: aajtak
On October 13, 2024, President Joe Biden instructed Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to deploy additional THAAD units in Israel, following Iran's two missile, rocket, and drone attacks earlier that year, in April and October.
Source: aajtak
Beyond Israel, THAAD defense systems are also stationed in Romania, South Korea, Turkey, the UAE, and various U.S. locations like Hawaii, Guam, and Wake Island. Future deployment plans extend to Europe, the Middle East, Japan, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan.
