THAAD Missile System

Current Context : The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is a sophisticated missile defense technology deployed by the United States, recently announced to be sent to Israel amid rising tensions with Hezbollah.

ABOUT THAAD MISSILE SYSTEM:

• Purpose: THAAD is designed to intercept and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase of flight.
• Engagement Method: It utilizes a “hit-to-kill” approach, which means it destroys incoming missiles by colliding with them, relying on kinetic energy rather than explosives.
• Operational Range: The system can engage targets at distances between 150 to 200 kilometers(93 to 124 miles).
• Origin: THAAD was developed by the United States following the Persian Gulf War(1991), specifically in response to threats from Iraq’s Scud missiles.
• Deployments: THAAD has been deployed in Israel since 2008, with subsequent deployments in 2012and 2019 to enhance the country’s missile defense capabilities.