### THAAD Antimissile System Deployed to Israel Amid Rising Tensions

The United States has announced the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel as part of ongoing efforts to bolster defense against potential Iranian missile attacks.

The THAAD system, designed to intercept missiles at various altitudes, will serve as an additional layer of protection alongside Israel's existing air defense mechanisms. This deployment, revealed by the Pentagon on Sunday, involves the arrival of approximately 100 American troops in Israel to operate the system, highlighting increased U.S. involvement in the escalating Middle East conflict.

Military technology expert Yehoshua Kalisky from the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv remarked on the political implications of this deployment. He noted that this move sends a strong signal of U.S. support for Israel while also warning adversaries against potential aggression.

The THAAD system, known for its mobility and surface-to-air interception capabilities, is an advanced defense mechanism aimed at neutralizing both within-atmosphere and exoatmospheric ballistic threats. The system comprises interceptor missiles, launchers, a radar, a command-and-control platform, and other unique support equipment. Interestingly, the interceptor missiles have no warheads and rely on kinetic energy to destroy incoming missiles.

Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of THAAD, states that there are only nine active THAAD batteries worldwide. Seven of these are allocated to the U.S. Army and are stationed in strategic locations such as Guam and South Korea. The unit being sent to Israel is presumed to be among these elite seven batteries.

This deployment underscores the deepening strategic and military ties between the United States and Israel and represents a significant step in their collective defense strategy in a region fraught with conflict.