Kamal Ghorui
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has seen the principal actors—the United States-Israel on one side and Iran on the other side—deploy a wide range of weapon systems. The conflict entered its 32nd day on Tuesday, having begun on February 28 with coordinated US-Israeli strikes across Iran. The attacks triggered a swift and forceful retaliation from the Islamic Republic, escalating tensions across the region.Click here for live war updatesBallistic missilesBased on their range, ballistic missiles are typically classified into four categories: short-range (less than 1,000 kilometres), medium-range (1,000–3,000 kilometres), intermediate-range (3,000–5,500 kilometres), and long-range or intercontinental (greater than 5,500 kilometres). They are initially powered by one or more rocket stages, after which they follow an unpowered, arcing trajectory that carries them upward before descending toward their targets. These missiles can be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads.Also Read: Trump shares video of massive explosions in Iran’s Isfahan following US-Israeli strikes; bunker-busters used?A ballistic missile’s flight consists of three phases: the boost phase (from launch until the rocket burns out and powered flight ends), the midcourse phase (when the missile travels along its highest trajectory before beginning descent), and the terminal phase (starting with the re-entry of warheads into the Earth’s atmosphere and ending in impact or detonation).
Ballistic missile
As per the Arms Control Association, as of August 2023, 31 countries, including India, possess ballistic missile capabilities.THAADWhile Iran has largely relied on its arsenal of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, the US has sought to counter these threats primarily using systems such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), a missile-based defence shield designed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles in their final phase of flight.As a result, THAAD installations have themselves become prime targets for Iranian strikes, given their critical role in protecting strategic assets and neutralising incoming missile attacks.
THAAD
The Lockheed Martin-developed THAAD is described as a “key element” of America’s ballistic missile defence architecture. The system uses interceptor missiles equipped with “hit-to-kill” technology and can engage incoming threats at ranges of around 150–200 kilometres.A single THAAD battery is operated by roughly 90 personnel and includes six truck-mounted launchers carrying a total of 48 interceptor missiles (eight per launcher). It is also supported by an Army/Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance and Control Mode 2 (AN/TPY-2) radar, along with a Tactical Fire Control and Communications unit.The US Army currently operates eight THAAD batteries. The system has also been deployed overseas, including in West Asia, where the ongoing conflict has underscored its strategic importance, with missiles moved from other theatres such as the Korean peninsula.THAAD vs Iran’s ballistic missilesTHAAD is designed to counter short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. During the ongoing Operation Fury, the system has worked in tandem with other missile defence platforms, such as the Patriot, reportedly achieving interception rates of over 90% against Iranian missiles and drones, particularly in the UAE.However, Tehran has claimed that it has damaged or destroyed several THAAD batteries, reducing the system’s overall effectiveness. Another concern is that the high rate of interceptor use during Operation Fury may have significantly depleted the stockpiles.
