By Pishtaz | 2025-01-28

The successful interception of a medium-range ballistic missile the Houthis fired at Israel demonstrates the effectiveness of advanced US missile defense systems in warding off attacks from the Iranian regime's proxies, military sources said.

It also highlights the regime's limited conventional military capabilities.

A US Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery intercepted a medium-range ballistic missile the Houthis fired at Israel on December 26, in the system's first combat interception.

Video footage shows the intercepted missile traveling at hypersonic speeds, covering a distance of over 700 miles, according to 19FortyFive.

The THAAD battery has been positioned in Israel since October to bolster defenses against potential Iranian missile and drone attacks.

The United States previously deployed a THAAD battery to Israel in 2019 for training and an integrated air defense exercise.

The current deployment demonstrates the "ironclad commitment" of the United States to defend Israel and US citizens in Israel from any further ballistic missile attacks by Iran, Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder said October 13.

For Israel, the system enhances an already robust missile defense network that includes David's Sling and Arrow 2 systems, The War Zone said.

Iran's reliance on proxies

Tehran's strategy of using proxies such as the Houthis is a calculated effort to maintain "plausible deniability" in attacks on regional targets, Atlantic Council analyst Saeid Jafari said in April 2024.

It faces significant constraints in directly confronting Israel, lacking both technological capabilities and powerful allies.

"Iran's defense doctrine is fundamentally based on asymmetric defense," said German Institute for International and Security Affairs fellow Hamidreza Azizi.

He pointed to Tehran's heavy reliance on missile and drone industries alongside proxy groups.

Israel's Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, said his country had only employed a small part of its military might against the Houthis so far.

"We are capable of much more," he told The Guardian.

Beyond military constraints, Iran faces various domestic challenges, including economic downturn and widespread social and political dissatisfaction, which further limit its options for direct engagement, Jafari said.

Deterring asymmetric threats

Ryder framed the THAAD deployment as part of "broader adjustments the US military has made in recent months" to protect against Iranian-aligned threats.

The deployment highlights evolving regional security dynamics, where sophisticated air defense systems play a crucial role in deterring asymmetric threats.

While Iranian regime officials maintain their strategy of operating through proxy forces, the presence of systems like THAAD significantly complicates their ability to threaten US allies effectively, military analysts say.