THAAD missiles deployed in Israel as part of a joint Israeli-American drill, March 4, 2019. (IDF/US Army)
IDF says the unprecedented move “emphasizes the U.S. commitment to the defense and security of Israel.”
The U.S. military has, for the first time, deployed the THAAD missile defense system in Israel as part of a drill conducted by the United States European Command (EUCOM), the IDF said in a statement.
“The purpose of the deployment is to practice rapid deployment across the globe of complex systems, and to enhance cooperation with the IAF’s air defense systems,” the Israeli military said.
“Deployment of the American anti-missile system in Israel is additional testimony to the commitment of the US to the security of Israel,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.
“The American THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced systems in the world, and together with our defensive systems we are even stronger in order to deal with near and distant threats from throughout the Middle East,” he said.
“The bond between the U.S. and Israel has never been stronger. I welcome the holding of this joint exercise.”
The IDF also released a video:
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