The US THAAD system Photo: Getty images

For the first time, the Israeli military has used the US missile defence system THAAD to intercept a ballistic missile fired from Yemen. This was reported by Reuters on Friday, 27 December.

The THAAD system was activated within the last 24 hours, and the Israeli army confirmed the successful interception of a missile fired by the Houthis. An analysis of its effectiveness is currently underway.

The missile was shot down amid rising tensions in the region, but the Israeli army’s official statement did not specify whether THAAD played a key role in the interception.

THAAD’s first combat debut

The THAAD system, developed by Lockheed Martin, was deployed in Israel in October 2024, but this is the first time it has been used in combat. The unique system uses the concept of “kinetic interception”, where the target is destroyed by the energy of the collision rather than the explosion.

This ensures higher accuracy and effectiveness compared to other anti-missile systems, such as the Patriot.

Videos posted on social media show the launch of the THAAD interceptor. One of the American soldiers commented on the moment with the words: “I’ve been waiting for this for 18 years.”

The deployment and successful use of THAAD demonstrates a significant strengthening of Israel’s missile defence system against the backdrop of threats from the Houthis and other groups. The move also underscores the US strategic support to ensure the security of its ally in the region.

THAAD has proven to be one of the most advanced defence systems capable of effectively responding to the challenges of modern ballistic missile weapons, which can significantly change the balance of power in the Middle East.