During the recent 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel (June 13–24, 2025), Israel deployed at least 39 THAAD interceptor missiles in one of the attack waves to counter Iranian missile strikes.
The U.S. drew down a significant portion of its advanced anti-missile system to bolster Israel's defense against Iranian aerial attacks during a 12-day conflict in which Iran kicked off a self-defense operation against Israel-U.S. attacks.
Israel has long relied on the Lockheed Martin developed Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, known as the THAAD battery, for shielding against ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemeni Ansarallah Movement.
Iran launched a major missile barrage on cities across Israel in response to attacks on its nuclear and military targets, prompting residents to seek shelter nationwide.
Iranian missiles included Ghadr and Emad, the medium-range Kheibar Shekan, and the Fattah-1 hypersonic missile, which travels at up to Mach 15 and is hard to intercept.
The U.S. restocked interceptor missiles for the THAAD system it deployed in Israel in 2024, amid concerns of a shortage, The Wall Street Journal reported.
A single THAAD interceptor costs about $12-15 million, according to estimates by multiple defense and news outlets.
Hossein Vaez
