US Deploys THAAD , Missile Defense System , Citing Growing Iranian Threat.<br />'Newsweek' reports that the United States <br />military will deploy advanced anti-ballistic <br />missile defense systems in the Middle East. .<br />The Department of Defense (DoD) said that the U.S. <br />is looking to prevent escalation in the region amid <br />concern that Iran may become involved with the conflict.<br />On October 22, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin <br />said that the U.S. would deploy a Terminal High <br />Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. .<br />On October 22, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin <br />said that the U.S. would deploy a Terminal High <br />Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system. .<br />Austin said the decision to deploy the THAAD <br />system followed "recent escalations by Iran and <br />its proxy forces across the Middle East Region.".<br />According to Lockheed Martin, the THAAD system <br />is meant to defend against short, medium <br />and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.<br />According to Lockheed Martin, the THAAD system <br />is meant to defend against short, medium <br />and intermediate-range ballistic missiles.<br />In addition to the THHAD battery, a number of <br />other military resources will be deployed to <br />an undisclosed eastern Mediterranean location.<br />According to Austin, the U.S. has deployed <br />"additional Patriot battalions to locations throughout <br />the region to increase force protection for U.S. forces." .<br />Austin added that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower <br />has been sent to join the USS Gerald R. Ford, becoming <br />the second carrier strike group deployed in the region.<br />Austin added that the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower <br />has been sent to join the USS Gerald R. Ford, becoming <br />the second carrier strike group deployed in the region.<br />'Newsweek' reports that troops <br />in the U.S. have already received <br />orders to prepare for deployment. .<br />Austin said the move is meant to "further increase <br />our force posture and strengthen our capabilities <br />and ability to respond to a range of contingencies.".<br />Austin said the move is meant to "further increase <br />our force posture and strengthen our capabilities <br />and ability to respond to a range of contingencies."
