What are THAAD and Patriot missiles and why does US value them so much
The US is increasingly relying on THAAD and Patriot missile systems to counter ballistic threats in Ukraine, West Asia, and the Pacific. These systems provide a layered defense, with THAAD handling high-altitude threats and Patriot managing lower-altitude targets.
Why it matters
These missile systems are central to US global defense strategy and the protection of allies against modern ballistic missile technology.
As Russia and Iran continue to sling ballistic missiles at Ukraine and the wider west Asian region, respectively, both these theatres seek air defence interceptors to blow this threat in the air. As both the conflicts continue, with no end in sight, the demand for two such interceptors, the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and the MIM-104 Patriot are in high demand. With both the United States and its allies burning through their reserves. Both these missile systems are also in the forefront of the US island defence strategy, which rests on the three island chains that block China's access to the open seas.
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