U.S. Deploys Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) System to Israel
The U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) has deployed a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel in early March at the direction of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
The statement from USEUCOM said that the deployment was conducted as a demonstration of the United States’ continued commitment to Israel’s regional security under the Department of Defense’s Dynamic Force Employment concept.
THAAD is the most advanced integrated air and missile defense system in the world, and this deployment readiness exercise demonstrates that U.S. forces are agile, and can respond quickly and unpredictably to any threat, anywhere, at any time.
This deployment incorporates key capabilities, systems and people stationed in the continental U.S. and Europe, and with the partners in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
During the deployment, the U.S. service members will work in various locations throughout Israel and will practice operational procedures for augmenting Israel’s existing air and missile defense architecture. They will refine network connectivity, validate requirements for the THAAD system, and will conduct multinational training and security cooperation activities with our allies to improve interoperability and build readiness.
The THAAD was deployed from the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command (AAMDC) stationed at Ft. Bliss, Texas.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) said in a statement that the deployment is defensive in nature and is not related to any specific current event.
The United States European Command (EUCOM) is currently conducting a missile defense system (THAAD) exercise deployment in Israel in order to implement the joint operational concept
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 4, 2019
The purpose of the deployment is to practice rapid deployment across the globe of complex systems, and to enhance cooperation with the IAF’s Air Defense Systems.
The IDF is working in cooperation with US forces in order to enhance coordination between the two militaries and…
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 4, 2019
…to strengthen the ability to defend Israeli airspace.
The THAAD system joins the IDF’s existing Air Defense capabilities against long-range ballistic missiles and is considered to be among the most advanced of its kind in the world
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 4, 2019
This is a defensive deployment that is not related to any specific current event
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) March 4, 2019
