In the looming possibility of retaliation by Iran, Israel has reportedly requested the United States to deploy a second Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery. The request, though not yet officially confirmed, follows reports from US and Israeli media outlets, including Channel 12, which suggest that Washington is considering the deployment as a precautionary measure in response to rising regional instability.
As fears grow over a potential Iranian reaction following anticipated Israeli counterstrikes, the need for reinforced air defenses has become critical. Israeli officials, anticipating a possible ballistic missile threat from Iran, have expressed concern about the country’s capacity to withstand a major attack without additional support from its key ally, the United States.
The United States has long been a steadfast supporter of Israel, particularly in terms of military and defense collaboration. The Pentagon’s recent actions reflect this commitment. On October 13, 2024, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder confirmed that at the direction of President Joe Biden, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of one THAAD battery and its associated crew to Israel.
In a statement, Ryder emphasized the broader objective of this deployment, noting, “At the direction of the President, Secretary Austin authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and associated crew of U.S. military personnel to Israel to help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s unprecedented attacks against Israel on April 13 and again on October 1.”
The decision comes amid escalating regional tensions following a series of recent attacks and counterattacks. According to Ryder, the new deployment will “augment Israel’s integrated air defense system” and reinforce the protection of both Israeli civilians and Americans residing in the region. He added, “This action underscores the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Israel and to defend Americans in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran.”
Since the April and October missile strikes by Iran, Israel has been increasingly focused on bolstering its defenses. Tehran’s aggressive posture, combined with its growing missile capabilities, has forced Israel and the U.S. to take additional measures to counteract potential threats.
Israeli defense analysts have speculated that a decisive military response by Israel, particularly against Iranian-backed forces, could trigger a more significant escalation. In such a scenario, Israel’s defense infrastructure, even with its advanced Iron Dome and David’s Sling systems, may need to be supplemented by additional layers of defense, including THAAD.
The THAAD system is designed to intercept short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, i.e., when they are descending toward their target. Unlike some missile defense systems that rely on explosive warheads to destroy incoming threats, THAAD employs a “hit-to-kill” approach, destroying the missile through sheer kinetic energy upon impact.
A full THAAD battery typically consists of six launchers, an AN/TPY-2 radar unit, a fire control center, and other support equipment. The system can provide a high-altitude defensive layer to protect against ballistic missile threats at significant ranges. This makes THAAD particularly valuable in a region like the Middle East, where missile threats from Iran and its allies are growing more complex and varied.
In fact, this will not be the first time the United States has deployed a THAAD battery in the region. Last year, following attacks on October 7th, a THAAD battery was positioned in the Middle East to protect American interests and personnel stationed in the area. The recent requests by Israel for additional protection underscore the ongoing regional tensions and the persistent threat posed by Iran.
The effectiveness of THAAD largely relies on the capabilities of the AN/TPY-2 radar, a cutting-edge surveillance system produced by Raytheon Technologies. The radar’s powerful detection capabilities allow it to track ballistic missiles at considerable distances and provide precise targeting data for the missile interceptors.
The AN/TPY-2 is a high-resolution X-band radar capable of detecting, tracking, and discriminating between ballistic missile threats and other airborne objects like debris or decoys. The radar system can operate in two primary modes: forward-based mode (FBM) and terminal mode (TM). When deployed in forward mode, the radar is positioned near likely launch sites and provides early warning and tracking data to the THAAD system or other missile defense assets like Aegis or Patriot.
This level of early warning and data sharing is crucial in maximizing the chances of a successful missile intercept. In terminal mode, the radar works in conjunction with THAAD to guide interceptors toward their target during the missile’s descent, providing fire control and ensuring a direct hit on the incoming threat.
Moreover, the radar’s range resolution allows it to distinguish between different types of objects, such as a warhead versus smaller debris, increasing the accuracy of missile intercepts. This makes the system a potent tool in the layered missile defense strategy employed by the U.S. and its allies.
While the THAAD system is widely recognized as a defensive measure, its deployment has often been met with suspicion and hostility from U.S. adversaries, particularly China and Russia. These nations argue that the deployment of advanced radar systems, such as the AN/TPY-2, near their borders is a veiled attempt by the U.S. to conduct surveillance and gather intelligence on their missile capabilities.
China has been especially vocal in its opposition to the deployment of THAAD systems in neighboring countries, such as South Korea and Japan. Beijing has long maintained that the real threat posed by THAAD lies not in its interceptors but in the radar’s ability to monitor missile launches deep within Chinese territory. The Chinese government fears that THAAD could be used to undermine its own missile capabilities by providing the U.S. and its allies with advanced warning and tracking data.
In response to the deployment of THAAD in South Korea in 2016, China imposed a range of economic and cultural sanctions on Seoul, which significantly impacted South Korea’s economy. The deployment of the system in South Korea and Japan remains a major sticking point in U.S.-China relations.
Similarly, Russia has also raised concerns about THAAD deployments near its borders. When Ukraine reportedly requested the U.S. to deploy a THAAD battery to bolster its air defenses against Russian missile strikes, Moscow responded with strong warnings, calling it a provocation. Russian state media reported that the deployment of a THAAD system in Ukraine, specifically near the city of Kharkiv, would give the U.S. and its NATO allies the ability to monitor Russian missile activity up to 1,000 kilometers into Russian territory.
The potential deployment of a second THAAD battery in Israel would have significant strategic implications, not just for Israel’s defense against Iranian missile threats but for the broader Middle East. By enhancing Israel’s missile defense network, the U.S. would be sending a strong signal to both its allies and adversaries in the region that it remains fully committed to Israel’s security.
Moreover, the presence of THAAD in Israel could deter further Iranian aggression. With the advanced radar capabilities of the AN/TPY-2, Israel would be better equipped to detect and intercept Iranian missile launches at greater distances, providing critical time to respond and reducing the likelihood of a successful attack.
At the same time, the deployment of THAAD in Israel could further inflame tensions with Iran, which has already viewed Israel’s military actions in the region with increasing hostility. Iran’s proxy forces, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, have been building up missile stockpiles in recent years, and the addition of a second THAAD battery could prompt these groups to escalate their activities in response.
As Israel braces for potential retaliation from Iran following its expected counterstrikes, the request for a second THAAD battery highlights the growing importance of missile defense in the region. The U.S., committed to ensuring the safety of its ally, appears ready to bolster Israel’s defenses, reflecting the increasingly complex and dangerous nature of modern warfare in the Middle East.
The deployment of the THAAD system, along with its AN/TPY-2 radar, represents not just a tactical advantage but a broader statement about the enduring military partnership between Israel and the U.S. In a region where ballistic missile threats are on the rise, THAAD’s ability to intercept incoming missiles during their final stage of descent could prove critical in safeguarding Israeli and American lives in the event of a wider conflict. However, this decision also risks heightening tensions with Iran and other regional actors, which may view the deployment as a provocation, potentially leading to further escalation in an already volatile region.
