Watch: For the first time, Israel deploys US-made THAAD system to intercept Houthi missile

The recent missile launch by the Houthis marked their fifth attack on Israel within just eight days. (Image: X)

Israel on Friday used the US-made Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system to intercept a ballistic missile launched at Israel from Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

This is the first time the system has been used since being deployed by the US in Israel in October, reported the Times of Israel.

Footage circulating on social media shows a missile interceptor being launched, with an American soldier heard exclaiming, "Eighteen years I've been waiting for this."

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that a missile was intercepted but did not disclose whether the system used was Israeli or American. However, security sources informed the Walla news site that the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system successfully engaged the missile.

The deployment of THAAD in Israel came after a ballistic missile attack by Iran on October 1. This advanced system can intercept missiles both within and beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

- THAAD . "18 " pic.twitter.com/s4VoMfMhaF
Itay Blumental (@ItayBlumental) December 27, 2024

What is THAAD
The Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, developed by the United States Army and managed by Lockheed Martin, is a missile defence system designed to intercept short-, medium-, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles in their terminal phase. Unlike traditional air defence systems, THAAD uses a hit-to-kill method that destroys targets through kinetic energy rather than explosive warheads.

A standard THAAD battery consists of six transportable launchers, each capable of firing up to eight interceptor missiles. Its advanced radar detects and tracks missile threats from 870 to 3,000 kilometres away, ensuring broad coverage and early warning. The integrated fire control system allows for rapid data processing and coordination to intercept multiple threats simultaneously, making THAAD vital for protecting deployed forces and critical infrastructure from ballistic missile risks.

Fifth attack on Israel in 8 days
The recent missile launch by the Houthis marked their fifth attack on Israel within just eight days. The Iran-backed group claimed to have aimed at Ben Gurion Airport. In retaliation, Israeli warplanes carried out strikes on Houthi positions in Yemen, targeting the Hezyaz power plant and infrastructure at Sanaa International Airport.

Over the past year, the Houthis have fired more than 200 missiles and 170 drones at Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). However, these threats were intercepted or fell short of their intended targets. Additionally, the group has disrupted commercial shipping in the Red Sea, attacking over 100 merchant vessels and forcing them to change their routes.

The Houthis have openly tied their actions to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which reignited on October 7, 2023, following an attack on Israel by the Palestinian group Hamas.