Pentagon explains why US avoids intercepting Russian missiles over Ukraine
Photo: Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh (Getty Images)
The US does not plan to deploy the THAAD medium-range missile defense system on NATO allies' territory in Europe, as the wars in Israel and Ukraine are fundamentally different in nature, according to Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary.
She noted that the US Department of Defense and the government continue to support Israel and Ukraine in meeting their various defense needs.
When asked why the US is deploying the THAAD system in Israel to counter ballistic missile attacks from Iran but not doing so on NATO allies' territory in Europe to protect western Ukraine from Russian missile attacks, Singh emphasized that these are two different situations.
“These are different wars, different regions. The commitments also to Israel and Ukraine are different,” said the Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary.
At the same time, she stated that US President Joe Biden “made a commitment to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
Singh also stressed the importance of cooperating with Congress on foreign support issues to prevent delays in military aid.
She commented on the situation at the end of last year and the beginning of this year regarding the delay in aid packages for Ukraine and Israel.
What is the THAAD system
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a land-based, mobile anti-ballistic missile system designed for high-altitude exo-atmospheric interception of medium-range ballistic missiles.
The THAAD system uses the so-called kinetic interception concept — it destroys the target using only the interceptor's kinetic energy without an explosive warhead. This makes the system significantly more effective compared to outdated ballistic missiles.
The system is manufactured by Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space.
Strengthening Israel's Air Defense
On October 1, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. This attack was an act of retaliation for the Israeli military’s elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel vowed a deadly strike on Iran in response.
In recent days, US forces deployed the THAAD system in Israel to bolster the country’s integrated air defense system amid continued ballistic missile strikes from Iran.
Additionally, the Pentagon will provide Israel with new missile defense systems.
