Introduction

Several countries have acquired or are in the process of acquiring the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system:

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE was the first international recipient of the THAAD system, purchasing it in December 2011. They successfully used THAAD in combat, intercepting a missile on January 17, 2022.

Saudi Arabia

In October 2017, Saudi Arabia purchased 44 THAAD batteries, including 360 missile interceptors. The first AN/TPY-2 missile defense radar for the THAAD system was delivered to Saudi Arabia in September 2023.

South Korea:

THAAD was deployed to South Korea in 2017, with a battery stationed at a military base in Seongju.

Israel

While not a permanent deployment, the U.S. has temporarily stationed THAAD batteries in Israel for military drills and to bolster Israel’s air defenses.

Romania

The U.S. temporarily deployed a THAAD battery to Romania in 2019 while the Aegis Ashore system was undergoing upgrades.

Conclusion

Additionally, other countries have expressed interest in the THAAD system, including Japan, which has been in ongoing discussions about potential deployment or purchase.