For First Time, Israel Uses THAAD System To Intercept Houthi Missile

For First Time, Israel Uses THAAD System To Intercept Houthi Missile

New Delhi:

The American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system was used to intercept a ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen yesterday. The missile was reportedly fired by the Houthi rebels, a bunch backed by Iran.

The THAAD system, deployed in Israel by the United States in October, was activated to intercept the missile for the primary time, the Times of Israel reported. Footage circulated on social media displaying the system launching an interceptor, accompanied by the voice of an American soldier exclaiming, “Eighteen years I’ve been ready for this.” 

While the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the missile’s interception, they didn’t specify whether or not the system used was Israeli or American. However, safety sources instructed the Walla information web site that THAAD had efficiently engaged the missile, the report stated. 

The deployment of THAAD in Israel adopted an October 1 ballistic missile assault by Iran. The superior system is able to intercepting missiles each inside and outdoors the Earth’s environment.

The THAAD system, developed by the United States, is designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles throughout their terminal part. Unlike standard techniques, THAAD depends on kinetic vitality to neutralise threats, destroying incoming missiles by impression somewhat than an explosive warhead.

An ordinary THAAD battery consists of six truck-mounted launchers, every able to holding as much as eight interceptors, together with a radar and a hearth management system. The system’s radar can detect threats from a spread of 870 to three,000 kilometres.

The Houthi missile launch marked the fifth such assault on Israel in simply eight days. The Iran-backed group claimed to have focused Ben Gurion Airport. In response, Israeli warplanes launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, together with the Hezyaz energy plant and infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport.

The Houthis have launched greater than 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel over the previous 12 months, based on the IDF, nonetheless, the vast majority of these threats had been intercepted or fell in need of their targets. The group has additionally disrupted business delivery within the Red Sea, focusing on over 100 service provider vessels and forcing carriers to reroute.

The Houthis have explicitly linked their actions to the continued battle in Gaza, which erupted on October 7, 2023, following Palestinian group Hamas’ assault on Israel.