Image source: topwar.ru
The THAAD air defense system is an essential element of the American missile defense system, responsible for intercepting targets at the boundary of the atmosphere and space (at an altitude of up to 150 km). Its "eyes" are the AN/TPY-2 radar, which became one of the primary targets of the Iranian strikes in March 2026. These radars were hit in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In this regard, Tom Karako, director of the missile defense project at the CSIS Analytical Institute, noted in an interview with Breaking Defense:
According to him, CSIS experts constantly warned about the threat of suppression of American air defense and missile defense systems by the enemy.:
AN/TPY-2 RADAR:
Image source: topwar.ru
As he explained, the command did not pay due attention to the creation of an anti-aircraft shield at the lower echelons, while short-range air defense systems (SHORAD) should be responsible for countering UAVs and other similar threats. This led to sad consequences.:
According to him, there are not many ballistic missiles breaking through. The problem is mainly related to drones.:
To effectively combat swarms of drones, Karako suggests deploying the LIDS system in the military, which uses Coyote interceptor drones of both kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
