U.S. mulls crucial THAAD deployment to bolster Israel's defenses

The deployment of this system to Israel is intended as one of the preparatory stages to counter another massive attack from Iran. During the last attack, Israel was targeted with ballistic missiles, among other things. These missiles are particularly dangerous due to their high speeds post-launch, reaching up to Mach 5. Very few anti-air systems can effectively intercept ballistic missiles.

Israel is frequently noted as an example of a country with a highly developed and effective missile defense shield. While the Iron Dome is typically effective, Israel has stated that the upper tiers of its air and missile defense could be further enhanced.

Local media indicate that this enhancement will occur through the transfer of the U.S. THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) air defense system. However, it is important to note that representatives from the U.S. Department of Defense have not yet confirmed this plan, merely stating that "such deployment is being considered."

The THAAD system is designed to intercept short and medium-range ballistic targets. Given the current threat from Iran, this reinforcement could be extremely beneficial for Israel. However, the challenge may lie not in the reluctance of the U.S. government, but in the limited stockpiles associated with this system. The U.S. has a relatively small number of batteries, and more critically, a limited supply of interceptor missiles.

THAAD can neutralize targets at a distance of up to 200 kilometres, moving at altitudes of up to 150 kilometres. This is achieved through kinetic energy (hit-to-kill methodology). The radar integrated into the system can detect targets up to 1,000 kilometres away.