During the 12-day Israel-Iran war in June 2025, the United States played a direct role in protecting Israel from waves of Iranian ballistic missile attacks.
Reports indicate that the U.S. used between 15% and 20% of its global stockpile of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) missiles between June 13–24.
The estimated cost of using these missiles during this period reached $800 million, reflecting both the intensity of the operation and the complexity of the threats.
Originally developed by Lockheed Martin in the 1990s in response to growing missile threats from nations like North Korea and Iran, the system entered service in 2008. Its mission has been to protect key U.S. allies and forces from missile threats such as North Korea’s Nodong and Iran’s Shahab series.
Each THAAD battery includes 6–9 truck-mounted launchers, each carrying 8 interceptor missiles.
The first THAAD deployment in Israel began in October 2024, following a massive Iranian missile strike involving over 200 ballistic missiles. This attack came in retaliation for an Israeli operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
Unconfirmed Pentagon reports suggest a second THAAD battery may be delivered to Israel later this year.
The system saw heavy use from June 13–24, 2025, as Iran launched missile barrages at major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Be’er Sheva.
NEWSRAEL: Another issue worth mentioning is the immense experience the US army got from these 12 days, a type of warfare which was until now only theoretical.