US Anti-missile System Will Add Israel's Defense Layer

Israeli Iron Dome/DOK Defense Forces via WIkimedia Commons

JAKARTA - The advanced anti-missile system sent by America to Israel will increase its air defenses by targeting the type of missile normally used by Iran.

The Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, can drop ballistic missiles from short to medium range.

"This is the type of missile Iran uses in many of their attacks on Israel or other areas they are targeting", retired Air Force colonel Leighton told CNN on Monday, October 14.

"This is important in the sense that when this is implemented, it will actually add to Israel's air defense and missile layers and will add to the Iron Dome, David's Sling and Arrow systems," Leighton said, referring to the defense system used by Israel.

THAAD is the only US missile defense system that can strike and destroy short, medium and medium-range ballistic missiles both inside and outside the atmosphere during its final flight phase, or dive on target.

The US Army will send about 100 troops to Israel to operate the battery, according to the Pentagon. Iran has notified the US that it will retaliate for any new Israeli attacks, a source in Tehran told CNN on Saturday.

Leighton warned that US actions on the ground increased the risk of dragging the US into war.

"If these troops are harmed, this could result in the US being dragged into the war and of course this could have significant consequences beyond what we want to imagine right now," he said.