In a recent announcement, the Pentagon confirmed the dispatch of the anti-missile system THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) in Israel, accompanied by military personnel, to strengthen the country’s defenses against potential attacks from Iran and its regional allies. This deployment comes in a particularly tense context, marked by Israeli strikes on Iranian targets and retaliations from Tehran. Iran notably reacted by launching ballistic missiles against Israel, notably targeting the Nevatim military base. These events are part of an escalation of violence which also includes the bombing of the Iranian consulate by Israel and the assassination of Ismaïl Haniyeh, a key figure in the Palestinian forces close to Iran while Israel has still not carried out the retaliation that she has so far promised.
The THAAD system: A response to ballistic missiles
The THAAD is an anti-missile system designed to intercept and destroy ballistic missiles at high altitude, during their terminal phase. This system is based on “hit-to-kill” technology: it hits the enemy missile directly to destroy it by impact, without using an explosive warhead. THE THAAD can intercept short, medium and even long range missiles, making it a solution of choice in the face of the Iranian ballistic threat, which includes missiles capable of hitting Israel at long range.
The main characteristics of the THAAD are :
- AN/TPY-2 radar : A powerful radar capable of detecting threats at long distances.
- High altitude interception : It destroys missiles in their terminal phase, before they reach their target, thus reducing the risk of damage to the ground.
- Mobile capacity : The system can be quickly deployed to protect specific areas.
Limits to hypersonic missiles
Although the THAAD is extremely effective against ballistic missiles, its ability to intercept hypersonic missiles remains limited. Hypersonic missiles, which fly at speeds above Mach 5 and can maneuver, pose a unique challenge to current defense systems, including the THAAD. The latter could theoretically intercept certain hypersonic missiles in terminal phase, but it was not specifically designed for this type of threat. This highlights the need for Israel to strengthen its defensive capabilities in the face of evolving missile technologies.
Israeli bombing of Iranian consulate and assassination of Haniyeh
As part of its pre-emptive strikes, Israel bombed the Iranian consulate in the northern Gaza region, a symbolic and strategic attack aimed at weakening Tehran’s influence in the region. This attack is part of a series of Israeli operations against Iranian infrastructure in Syria and Lebanon, but also in Gaza, where Iran maintains close ties with factions such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
At the same time, the assassination ofIshmael Haneya central figure in relations between Iran and Palestinian groups, marked a turning point in the escalation. This act, claimed indirectly by Israel, is seen as a blow to military coordination efforts between Iran and Palestinian forces.
Iranian targets: Nevatim and other strikes in Israel
In response to Israeli strikes, Iran targeted the military base of Nevatima strategic installation in southern Israel known for housing Israeli army air units. This attack was carried out with long-range ballistic missiles, underscoring Iran’s ability to strike deep into Israeli territory. In addition to Nevatim, other Israeli military positions were targeted with retaliatory missile attacks, revealing an unprecedented pattern of escalation between the two nations.
These strikes provoked an even more aggressive response from Israel, which intensified its attacks on Iranian military infrastructure and bases used by its allies in Syria. The Nevatim base, in particular, is of strategic importance as it houses the Israeli Air Force’s F-35 aircraft, essential for deterrence and counterattack operations. The Iranian strike on this base therefore underlines the intensity of the conflict and Tehran’s desire to respond to each Israeli attack.
A context of reprisals and regional tensions
The exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel is part of a climate of increased regional tension. Iran’s ballistic missile attacks are seen as direct retaliation for Israeli actions, including strikes on Iranian positions in Syria and Gaza. Iran, while using allied groups like Hezbollah to carry out proxy attacks, has also intensified its direct strikes, demonstrating its desire not to remain passive in the face of Israeli aggression.
The American intervention, with the deployment of THAADis part of this dynamic, aiming to protect Israel while sending a clear message to Iran. The move shows that the United States remains committed to defending its Israeli ally while avoiding a broader escalation in the region, even if the risk of a direct confrontation with Iranian forces remains very real.
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