The THAAD Umbrella over the Middle East
The system, which was deployed last week in Israel for the first time as part of a joint drill, has long been protecting US allies across the Middle East
Dr. Shaul Shay
| 11/03/2019
flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin - Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at sunset
The United States has deployed in March 2019 its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system temporarily to Israel for a joint military exercise, the first of its kind.
The exercise with THAAD involves more than 200 US military personnel and its components include radars and launching systems. The exercise allows the US military to practice the rapid deployment of THAAD in Israel.
The THAAD system is considered to be one of the most advanced of its kind in the world and it is designed to intercept short-range, medium-range, and some intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Saudi Arabia
In 2017, the US government approved the sale of the THAAD missile defense system to Saudi Arabia for $1.5 billion. The Saudis purchased 44 THAAD launchers, missiles, and related equipment.
The THAAD deal had been under discussion since December 2016, but the green light for the deal came after Saudi Arabia started to look at Moscow's S-400 air defense system.
President Trump and King Salman discussed in a late September 2018 phone call the THAAD deal and the Saudi and US officials signed in November 2018, the letters of offer and acceptance documents.
The State Department spokesman said the deal supports the “long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of the growing ballistic missile threat from the Iranian regime and Iran-backed extremist groups.”
THAAD systems have already been supplied to Saudi Arabia's neighbors Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE
In 2011, the UAE became the first international customer to procure the THAAD system. The contract, estimated at $1.1 billion, covers the supply of nine launchers, radars, missiles, test components, repair and return, support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment and other elements of logistics support. Initial deliveries were made to the UAE in late 2015.
Qatar
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on November 5, 2012, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for two Fire Units and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $6.5 billion.
In 2014, Qatar ordered 12 THAAD Launchers, 150 THAAD missiles, 2 THAAD Fire Control and Communications units, 2 AN/TPY-2 THAAD Radars, and 1 Early Warning Radar (EWR).
Summary
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) sold to Middle Eastern Arab allies of the United States boost their capabilities to combat a wide range of existing and future missile threats in their respective regions.
The sales of the THAAD system is also expected to contribute to US foreign policy and national security by enhancing regional security of friendly countries while lowering dependence on US forces.
Saudi Arabia is threatened by Iranian produced missiles, launched by the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since March 2015, the Houthis launched more than 200 missiles against targets in Saudi Arabia. The THAAD system works in concert with the country’s existing assets including the Patriot PAC-3s batteries and other associated radar elements. Together, they will form a multilayered missile defense network protecting population centers and critical infrastructure.
[Sources: The New Arab, Al Arabiya (1,2), DSCA]
The system, which was deployed last week in Israel for the first time as part of a joint drill, has long been protecting US allies across the Middle East
flickr.com/photos/lockheedmartin - Lockheed Martin's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system at sunset
The United States has deployed in March 2019 its advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense system temporarily to Israel for a joint military exercise, the first of its kind.
The exercise with THAAD involves more than 200 US military personnel and its components include radars and launching systems. The exercise allows the US military to practice the rapid deployment of THAAD in Israel.
The THAAD system is considered to be one of the most advanced of its kind in the world and it is designed to intercept short-range, medium-range, and some intermediate-range ballistic missiles.
Saudi Arabia
In 2017, the US government approved the sale of the THAAD missile defense system to Saudi Arabia for $1.5 billion. The Saudis purchased 44 THAAD launchers, missiles, and related equipment.
The THAAD deal had been under discussion since December 2016, but the green light for the deal came after Saudi Arabia started to look at Moscow's S-400 air defense system.
President Trump and King Salman discussed in a late September 2018 phone call the THAAD deal and the Saudi and US officials signed in November 2018, the letters of offer and acceptance documents.
The State Department spokesman said the deal supports the “long-term security of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region in the face of the growing ballistic missile threat from the Iranian regime and Iran-backed extremist groups.”
THAAD systems have already been supplied to Saudi Arabia's neighbors Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The UAE
In 2011, the UAE became the first international customer to procure the THAAD system. The contract, estimated at $1.1 billion, covers the supply of nine launchers, radars, missiles, test components, repair and return, support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment and other elements of logistics support. Initial deliveries were made to the UAE in late 2015.
Qatar
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on November 5, 2012, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for two Fire Units and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $6.5 billion.
In 2014, Qatar ordered 12 THAAD Launchers, 150 THAAD missiles, 2 THAAD Fire Control and Communications units, 2 AN/TPY-2 THAAD Radars, and 1 Early Warning Radar (EWR).
Summary
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) sold to Middle Eastern Arab allies of the United States boost their capabilities to combat a wide range of existing and future missile threats in their respective regions.
The sales of the THAAD system is also expected to contribute to US foreign policy and national security by enhancing regional security of friendly countries while lowering dependence on US forces.
Saudi Arabia is threatened by Iranian produced missiles, launched by the pro-Iranian Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since March 2015, the Houthis launched more than 200 missiles against targets in Saudi Arabia. The THAAD system works in concert with the country’s existing assets including the Patriot PAC-3s batteries and other associated radar elements. Together, they will form a multilayered missile defense network protecting population centers and critical infrastructure.
[Sources: The New Arab, Al Arabiya (1,2), DSCA]
