The interception of one of the ballistic missiles launched from Yemen by the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system has generated significant interest in the region. This is primarily because it marks the system’s first operational interception since its deployment in Israel but also raises questions as the interception was not carried out by Israeli defense systems.
THAAD, like Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles (approximately 200 km) through a direct hit on the target, either outside the atmosphere or within it. The system’s main advantage lies in its advanced and powerful radar, developed by Raytheon.
This unique radar, integrated with advanced command and control systems, operates at a high frequency, enabling it to detect and track ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 2,000 km or more. This capability allows for early detection, precise trajectory mapping, and effective interception during the early stages of the attacking missile’s flight.
THAAD can update in real-time and simultaneously track up to seven targets to intercept the most critical threat. The interceptor missile itself is single-stage, with advanced maneuvering capabilities (vector thrust propulsion) and a maneuverable warhead capable of operating at various altitudes. Additionally, it’s also equipped with sophisticated communication systems and sensors for precise target acquisition.
Another advantage of THAAD is its mobility. It can be airlifted by cargo planes, rapidly deployed, and flexibly integrated into different locations worldwide. In Israel, THAAD complements the existing defense layer, which includes the Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems, providing an additional layer of defense.
A comparison between the publicly available performance data of Israel’s defense systems and THAAD highlights significant similarities. However, THAAD’s uniqueness is its highly powerful radar, which enables early detection at great distances while filtering out “irrelevant targets” to create an accurate threat map.
The integration of this system into Israel’s defense array is not only a significant operational contribution but also a clear political message to any hostile actors.
The interception of one of the ballistic missiles launched from Yemen by the American THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system has generated significant interest in the region. This is primarily because it marks the system’s first operational interception since its deployment in Israel but also raises questions as the interception was not carried out by Israeli defense systems.
THAAD, like Israel’s multi-layered defense systems, is designed to intercept medium-range ballistic missiles (approximately 200 km) through a direct hit on the target, either outside the atmosphere or within it. The system’s main advantage lies in its advanced and powerful radar, developed by Raytheon.
This unique radar, integrated with advanced command and control systems, operates at a high frequency, enabling it to detect and track ballistic missiles at ranges of up to 2,000 km or more. This capability allows for early detection, precise trajectory mapping, and effective interception during the early stages of the attacking missile’s flight.
THAAD can update in real-time and simultaneously track up to seven targets to intercept the most critical threat. The interceptor missile itself is single-stage, with advanced maneuvering capabilities (vector thrust propulsion) and a maneuverable warhead capable of operating at various altitudes. Additionally, it’s also equipped with sophisticated communication systems and sensors for precise target acquisition.
Another advantage of THAAD is its mobility. It can be airlifted by cargo planes, rapidly deployed, and flexibly integrated into different locations worldwide. In Israel, THAAD complements the existing defense layer, which includes the Arrow 2, Arrow 3, David’s Sling, and Iron Dome systems, providing an additional layer of defense.
A comparison between the publicly available performance data of Israel’s defense systems and THAAD highlights significant similarities. However, THAAD’s uniqueness is its highly powerful radar, which enables early detection at great distances while filtering out “irrelevant targets” to create an accurate threat map.
The integration of this system into Israel’s defense array is not only a significant operational contribution but also a clear political message to any hostile actors.