The United States has delivered a second Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile battery to Israel, U.S. and regional media confirmed Sunday. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, sparked by concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its support for Houthi rebels.
A report from the Saudi Al-Hadath news channel stated that the battery arrived on Saturday.
Flight tracking websites showed a U.S. Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy transport plane landing at Nevatim Airbase in southern Israel, staying for about eight hours before taking off again.
🚨🇺🇸A U.S.Air Force C-5M
Super Galaxy strategic heavy lift aircraft has landed at Nevatim Air Base in southern Israel 🇮🇱earlier today,near where the US Army terminal
High altitude area defense system (THAAD) is deployed in the Negev desert.The flight was probably related to the… pic.twitter.com/EnpsIid8De
— Todd Paron🇺🇸🇬🇷🎧👽 (@tparon) April 5, 2025
THAAD is a U.S.-developed missile defense system designed to intercept short- and medium-range ballistic missiles during their final flight stage. Unlike Israel’s Arrow system, which uses explosive warheads, THAAD destroys targets through direct collision, using “Hit to Kill” technology.
The first THAAD battery was deployed to Israel in 2024 following earlier threats from Iran. Since then, it has intercepted six missiles launched by Houthi forces in Yemen, including two in late March and one in December.
The new delivery follows a visit by U.S. CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla to Israel, where he met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled trip to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump.
Discussions are expected to focus on Iran, a potential hostage deal, and broader security cooperation.
Trump earlier warned that the U.S. would hold Iran accountable for Houthi attacks and has also threatened military consequences if Iran continues to reject negotiations over its nuclear program.
On Saturday, General Hossein Salami of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated: “We will not start a war, but we are ready for it.”
