Missile defense system sent to Israel is ready for operation, US defense secretary says
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin stated on Monday that the missile defense system sent by the United States to Israel is “in place” and ready for immediate use.
“We can deploy it very quickly,” Austin said, referring to the THAAD missile defense system while speaking to reporters on his way to Kyiv.
His remarks come as Israel gears up for a potential strike in retaliation for Iran’s missile attack on October 1, which may provoke a counter-response from Tehran and its allies.
What is THAAD?The THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) system is one of the US military’s most advanced anti-missile weapons, capable of intercepting ballistic missiles at ranges between 150 to 200 kilometers (93 to 124 miles) and boasting a near-perfect success rate in tests. Utilizing sophisticated radar systems and interceptors, THAAD can engage and destroy short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase, either inside or outside the atmosphere.
Austin’s Comments on Leaked Intelligence: Austin also addressed reports of leaked US intelligence documents on Telegram that detailed Israel’s preparations for a strike on Iran, stating, “We take these matters very seriously and investigate any incidents.” However, he refrained from commenting specifically on the documents or the ongoing investigation into their disclosure.
