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In a historic first, Israel and the United States successfully conducted a joint missile interception over Israeli territory, using both the Israeli Arrow and American THAAD systems to down a pair of ballistic missiles launched from Yemen on Sunday.
Debris discovered in the Hebron area confirmed the use of both systems in the simultaneous interception, highlighting a new level of operational integration between the allies’ air defense architectures.
The incident prompted hundreds of thousands of Israelis to rush to bomb shelters as air raid sirens echoed across the country.
Although no casualties were reported, the event marked a significant demonstration of joint missile defense capabilities amid heightened regional tensions.
The American Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system was deployed to Israel last October at the request of the Biden administration, following Iran’s massive missile barrage — the largest in Israel’s history.
The deployment aimed to bolster Israel’s multi-layered missile defense system, which already includes Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and the Arrow series.
Developed in response to the 1991 Gulf War and the Patriot missile system’s inability to intercept Iraqi Scuds effectively, both the Israeli Arrow and the U.S. THAAD were purpose-built for ballistic missile defense.
While the Arrow 2 system, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), entered Israeli Air Force service in 2000, the THAAD system, developed by Lockheed Martin, became operational in 2008 after a slower development due to multiple test failures.
Though both systems share a mission — intercepting ballistic missiles — they differ significantly in technology and philosophy. Arrow interceptors destroy incoming threats by detonating near the target and spraying lethal metal fragments.
In contrast, THAAD relies on “Hit to Kill” technology, striking its target directly without an explosive warhead. This approach demands higher precision but eliminates the risk of debris-causing warheads.
Both systems are capable of reaching extreme speeds of 9,000 to 10,000 km/h. However, THAAD’s lighter design makes it easier to deploy rapidly using military cargo planes, whereas Arrow systems are heavier and designed for stationary or truck-towed operation.
Cost is another key differentiator. An Arrow interceptor costs $2–3 million, while a single THAAD missile comes in at $12–15 million.
This price tag has limited THAAD’s exports to only a few affluent nations, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Germany, after careful evaluation, opted for Israel’s Arrow 3 instead.
Despite its capabilities, THAAD does not extend Israel’s defensive reach beyond what Arrow already offers. However, its integration adds redundancy and increases the capacity to intercept large-scale barrages — a critical asset in case of escalated threats from Iran or its proxies.
The Israeli defense establishment has long trained alongside U.S. forces for joint operation of THAAD and the U.S. Navy’s SM-3 interceptors aboard Aegis-equipped destroyers. This cooperation enhances radar sharing and coordinated target tracking.
Looking forward, IAI is developing Arrow 4 and Arrow 5, with aims to meet emerging threats while significantly lowering unit costs. Meanwhile, Rafael’s Magen Or laser system will bolster Iron Dome, although lasers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles remain years away.
The U.S. is reportedly considering incorporating Arrow into its own Golden Dome missile shield, a system envisioned to protect the American homeland from the kind of threats currently faced by Israel and Ukraine.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members