In its latest round of military assistance to Israel, the United States will send its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system.
The US will also send soldiers to operate the system, the Pentagon said on Sunday.
It is unclear when the deployment will take place.
Here’s why the US is deploying the THAAD system in Israel now:
What is the THAAD system?
THAAD is an advanced missile defence system that uses a combination of radar and interceptors to thwart short-, medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Its missiles have a range of 150 to 200km (93 to 124 miles), and the system is made by US defence and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin.
It can intercept missiles inside and outside Earth’s atmosphere during their final stage of flight, which begins when the detached warhead re-enters Earth’s atmosphere and ends upon detonation, according to the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.
How does the THAAD system work?
According to an April report by the Congressional Research Service, THAAD batteries usually are made up of 95 soldiers, six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors – eight for each launcher – one radar system, and a fire control and communications component.
The number of launchers and interceptors can vary.
THAADs do not carry an explosive warhead, which allows them to reach high altitudes quickly. Rather than exploding on impact with incoming ballistic missiles to neutralise them, THAAD interceptors use kinetic energy – the energy generated through its mass being in motion – to set off the missile.
What it cannot do is fend off smaller, simpler weapons such as drones used by groups including Hamas and Yemen’s Houthis, Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna reported from Washington, DC. This is because the drones are small and do not approach from a high altitude.
How much does it cost?
One THAAD battery costs from $1bn to $1.8bn, according to Hanna.
How many THAAD batteries are there?
According to the Congressional Research Service report, the US army has deployed seven THAAD batteries, including to South Korea and Guam.
Does Israel already have THAAD batteries?
According to a statement published by the US Department of Defense on Sunday, the US previously deployed a THAAD battery to southern Israel in 2019 “for training and an integrated air defense exercise”.
However, this battery was taken back to the…