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Last Updated:March 02, 2026, 21:15 IST
From THAAD and Patriot to Iron Dome and Iron Sling, a look at the missile defence systems countries in West Asia are relying on.
The northern lights glow behind a Patriot missile M903 launcher during Exercise ARCTIC EDGE 2022 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE)
The widening war between the United States, Israel and Iran has turned West Asia into a live testbed for modern air defence, with missiles, drones and rockets crisscrossing the region and drawing in countries from Lebanon to the Gulf and the eastern Mediterranean. Strikes on Tehran, Iranian counter attacks on US and allied facilities and cross-border fire involving Iranian proxies have shown how layered missile shields now sit at the centre of military planning. As air superiority claims, drone interceptions and rocket barrages shape the battlefield, attention has shifted to the systems designed to stop them — from high-altitude interceptors to short-range urban defence networks.
Here is a look at the key air defence platforms countries rely on and how they work.
THAAD (United States)
What is it? Terminal High Altitude Area Defense is a US missile shield designed to intercept short and intermediate-range ballistic missiles during their final phase of flight, using hit-to-kill technology rather than explosive warheads.
Why is it called that? The name reflects its role of intercepting threats at high altitude in the terminal stage of their trajectory.
When was it made and first deployment? The programme began in the early 1990s, with operational deployment starting in 2008.
Patriot (United States / NATO)
What is it? Patriot is a long-range surface-to-air missile defence system used to intercept aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, forming the backbone of many NATO air defence networks.
Why is it called that? PATRIOT is an acronym for Phased Array Tracking Radar for Intercept on Target, highlighting its radar-guided interception capability.
When was it made and first deployment? It was developed in the 1970s and 1980s and entered service in 1984.
Iron Dome (Israel)
What is it? Iron Dome is a short-range air defence system designed to intercept rockets, artillery shells and drones headed toward populated areas, forming the lowest tier of Israel’s layered defence.
Why is it called that? The name symbolises a protective “dome" shielding cities and towns from incoming projectiles.
When was it made and first deployment? It was developed in the mid-2000s and became operational in 2011.
David’s Sling (Israel)
What is it? David’s Sling is a medium-range missile defence system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and large rockets, sitting between Iron Dome and higher-tier systems.
Why is it called that? The name draws from the biblical story of David and Goliath, symbolising defence against larger threats.
When was it made and first deployment? Development began in the 2000s and the system became operational in 2017.
S-400 Triumf (Russia)
What is it? The S-400 is a long-range surface-to-air missile system capable of targeting aircraft, drones, cruise missiles and certain ballistic missiles at extended ranges.
Why is it called that? “Triumf" is the Russian designation marking it as a next-generation successor to the S-300 family.
When was it made and first deployment? It was developed during the 1990s and entered service in 2007.
Patriot (Saudi Arabia)
What is it? Saudi Arabia relies heavily on Patriot missile batteries to defend against ballistic missiles, aircraft and drones targeting cities, oil facilities and military bases.
Why is it called that? The name derives from the radar-tracking interception acronym used globally for the system.
When was it made and first deployment? Saudi Arabia began acquiring and deploying Patriot systems in the 1990s, with later upgrades.
THAAD And Patriot (United Arab Emirates)
What is it? The UAE operates a layered missile defence combining THAAD for high-altitude interception and Patriot for lower-tier defence, providing coverage against ballistic missiles and drones.
Why is it called that? THAAD refers to Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, while Patriot is named for its radar-guided interception system.
When was it made and first deployment? THAAD development began in the early 1990s, while Patriot dates to the 1970s–80s, with UAE deployment in the 2010s.
First Published:
March 02, 2026, 21:15 IST
News world THAAD To Iron Dome: Inside Air Defence Systems Countering Iranian Attacks As West Asia Burns
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