U.S. Deploys THAAD Missile Defense System to Israel; Iran at 'Peak’ Military Readiness

The U.S. military has swiftly deployed its advanced THAAD missile defense system to Israel, following a surge in regional tensions, specially with Iran and its proxies.

The THAAD system (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense), produced by Lockheed Martin, is now "in place" in Israel, according to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. While he did not confirm its operational status, Austin emphasized that it could be activated quickly.

This marks the first operational deployment of THAAD in Israel, though it had previously been used during joint exercises in 2019. Its arrival bolsters Israel’s existing anti-missile defenses, including ARROW-2, ARROW-3, and David's Sling.

The decision to deploy THAAD came after Israeli missile defense systems were overwhelmed by Iran’s October 1 attack, which included Iranian Shihab-3A/B, Fattah-1, and Sajil missiles. While many were intercepted, several penetrated Israeli defenses, highlighting the need for additional protection.

The deployment is intended to strengthen Israel's defenses while the U.S. urges caution in Israel's potential retaliation against Iran. American President Joe Biden has voiced opposition to Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear and energy sites, aiming to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.

Further discussions are ongoing regarding additional deployments, including five U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers equipped with Aegis combat systems and SM-3 Block IB/IIA interceptors to reinforce missile defense capabilities in the region.

Iran's IRGC Deputy Commander Asserts Armed Forces Readiness

Iran's deputy commander for IRGC Quds Force stated that their armed forces are fully ready to respond to any threat amid rising regional tensions.  “The armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran always stand at full readiness,” Brigadier General Iraj Masjedi told reporters.

Masjedi commented on the large turnout of Iranians at the funeral for Major General Abbas Nilforoushan, a senior IRGC commander assassinated last month along with the Hezbollah chief in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. “We will not back down in the face of martyrdom [of our commanders] and will take vengeance on the Zionist entity for the blood of the dear martyrs and the oppressed people of Palestine and Lebanon."