Video: Israel Uses THAAD System To Intercept Houthi Missile, In A First

Last Updated:December 28, 2024, 14:36 IST

Videos showed the THAAD system launching an interceptor followed by the voice of an American soldier saying, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this."

Israel uses THAAD system to intercept missile fired by Houthi rebels (Screengrab) | X)

Israel used the American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defence system to intercept a ballistic missile launched from Yemen which was reportedly fired by the Houthi rebels.

The THAAD system was deployed in Israel by the United States in October, the Times of Israel reported. Videos shared widely on social media showed the THAAD system launching an interceptor followed by the voice of an American soldier saying, “Eighteen years I’ve been waiting for this."

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has not confirmed the use of the same but confirmed the missile’s interception but Walla news site reported that THAAD had successfully engaged the missile.

The THAAD system is capable of intercepting missiles both inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Developed by the United States, the system is designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their terminal phase.

THAAD relies on kinetic energy to neutralise threats which means that it destroys incoming missiles through impact rather than an explosive warhead. A THAAD battery includes six truck-mounted launchers, each holding up to eight interceptors, along with a radar and a fire control system. THAAD’s radar can detect threats from a range of 870 to 3,000 kilometres.

The usage of the THAAD system comes as the Houthis launched their fifth attack on Israel in just eight days. The Iran-backed group reportedly targeted Ben Gurion Airport following which Israeli warplanes launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen including the Hezyaz power plant and Sanaa Airport.

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News world Video: Israel Uses THAAD System To Intercept Houthi Missile, In A First