What is THAAD Missile System?

Oct. 15, 2024

As Israel intensifies its military operation against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, the United States announced it will deploy a missile defence system, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) battery, to Israel.

About THAAD Missile System:

It is a missile defense system that can engage and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.
Key features
- It has a “hit to kill” approach which blasts missiles as they enter their target zone during their descent.
- It uses kinetic energyto destroy incoming nuclear warheads.
- Target range: It can cover a wide area, engaging targets at distances between 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles).
Development of THAAD
- It was developed by the US after their experience of Iraq's Scud missile attacks during the Persian Gulf War in 1991.
- In 2008, the US deployed an early missile warning radar, a part of the THAAD system to Israel. Similar deployments were also made in 2012 and 2019, aiding Israel's ability to emerge as a military power.