In a first, troops belonging to the US European Command (EUCOM) have deployed its THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system in Israel as part of a joint drill between the two allies, the IDF announced on Monday.
The purpose of the tactical deployment of the mobile American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system in Israel is to “practice rapid deployment across the globe of complex systems, and to enhance cooperation with the IAF’s Air Defense Systems” the statement said, adding that “the IDF is working in cooperation with US forces in order to enhance coordination between the two militaries and to strengthen the ability to defend Israeli airspace.”
During the drill, the THAAD system – which is considered one of the most advanced systems of its kind in the world – will be added to the existing Israeli air defense systems which defend against long-range ballistic missiles, giving the IDF an “opportunity to practice it’s integration in the IAF Air Defense Array.”
