Pentagon announced US intention to deploy THAAD missile defence battery in Middle East
The US Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, ordered the deployment of a battery of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defence) missile systems and additional Patriot air defence systems in the Middle East, TASS reports with reference to the press service of the US military department
The Pentagon Chief said that, following consultations with US President Joe Biden, it was decided ‘to strengthen the position of the [US] Department of Defence in the region’. At the same time, he recalled that the United States had previously sent the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier with five escort ships to the Middle East, as well as the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier with three escort ships.
“I also ordered the deployment of a THAAD battery and additional Patriot battalions in the region to strengthen the protection of American forces,” Mr. Austin said.
Along with that, the Pentagon official said that he also ordered to prepare for the deployment of additional troops ‘to strengthen the readiness and possibility of a quick response if necessary’.
Mr. Austin added that such steps are being taken as part of ‘contingency planning’. He believes the deployment of additional US forces ‘will contribute to deterrence, strengthen the protection of American troops in the region and help in the defence of Israel’.
